Thayne Spencer Long passed away on July 17, 2026, in Wayne County, Utah, at the age of 13. He was born on August 9, 2012, in American Fork, Utah. His parents are Spencer and Katrina Long of Mona, Utah.

Thayne was raised to love being outside and to work hard. Thayne loved to make others feel important, seen, but most of all, he loved to make others laugh. Thayne knew how to notice the little things, like when someone just needed a fantastic hug and a good movie night.

This last year, Thayne was enrolled at Elite Performance Academy in Nephi, Utah. Elite Performance Academy quickly became a very important place to Thayne, where he was able to excel in his academics, spirituality, hobbies, and also friendships. Thayne had a special opportunity this last year to compete for the Academy's Shark Tank Pitch in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the chance to win tuition scholarships for the following year as well as cash prizes. Thayne pitched his business, Juab Detailing, and was awarded the Cedarstone Excellence Award and the Elite Nephi Award. He was awarded cash to put toward the continuing growth of his business that he started at 12 years of age.

Some of Thayne's hobbies include playing hockey, boxing, fishing, golfing, dinosaurs, hiking, hunting, camping, and really anything you could find to do outside. Thayne loved the position of goalie while playing hockey with his teammates, and this last year he had the opportunity to play multiple tournaments in Canada. For the upcoming season, Thayne was going to be playing 14UAA goalie with Utah Junior Grizzlies and was asked to suit up for the South County Ice Llamas Varsity High School team as an incoming freshman. Thayne also loved boxing and was working on new combinations every day, in preparation for future matches. Thayne was one of the most dedicated kids you could ever meet, and he put his everything into his business, his family, and anything he put his mind to.

Thayne is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was sealed to his family for time and all eternity in the Payson Utah Temple on September 12, 2020. He faithfully received the Aaronic Priesthood in 2024. Thayne, just like with everything else, put his all into everything, going out to pick out the Bible he wanted and making sure to jot down some thoughts in his notebook about the importance of God and family in his life, with details about how he wanted to improve each day.

Thayne is survived by his sister, Lydia Vernon; his grandparents, Devan and Wendi Long and Lance and Susan Gubler. He was tragically joined in death by his parents, Spencer and Katrina Long, and his brother Reid Vernon and Gage Long.

The funeral service for the Long/Vernon family will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Center located at 800 West University Parkway in Orem, Utah.