PROVO, Utah — Hundreds of people attended a memorial service Wednesday for the five family members who were killed in a flash flood earlier this month.
The public memorial service for the Long family was held at Utah Valley University's UCCU Center. While the family expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of public support, they asked that the service not be filmed or shared via livestream.
In addition, the graveside service in their hometown of Mona was for family and friends only.
Provo Fire Capt. Spencer Long, his wife Katrina, and their sons, Reid, Thayne and Gage, died after a flash flood hit the area where they were camping and canyoneering.
Inside the center, five caskets were lined up at the front of the room. A program for the service featured a photo of the five who died and listed who would speak for each family member, along with the musical numbers to be performed.
‘…best memories I’ve got of Spencer is, you know, it doesn’t matter where we were at. It could be hot, it could be dirty... and he’ll always find something positive or always have some little giggle about something to break the ice," shared retired Provo Fire firefighter Dan Cather.
"Katrina, she was just a pillar of light, and I just love her," said Dan's wife, Jenni, who was friends with Katrina.
Video below shows caskets being placed in hearses following service:
The kind words about the family came in bunches, as did the people.
“From their workplaces, their jobs, the hockey team for the boys. It takes a community to raise a family, and you see that with this today," said Lana Fullbright.
And as the caskets sat in front of them during the service, each of those communities the family relied upon felt the wave of emotions.
“Somber at times," added Fullbright, "but, you know, you remember, you start thinking of the fun times and the memories you have with each person.”
After closing remarks and a song, the closing prayer was listed as being shared by Lydia Vernon, the daughter and sister of the five who was not with the rest of the family when they died.
“Miss Lydia, she’s such a sweetheart. I feel bad for her, but she’s a strong young woman, and she’ll be okay," Fullbright said.
Following the service, pallbearers, including childhood friends of the boys, brought the caskets outside, where they were placed inside hearses for the long procession home.
“There was a lot of tears in the service today," shared Nathan Perrott, Director of Coaching with Salt Lake Effect, where the boys played hockey. "It’s sad to see them leave, but we know they’re going to a better place. We have to say goodbye.”
