MOAB, Utah – Authorities in Utah are searching for a couple from Pearland who were reported missing after they went exploring on a trail.
Ray and Maranda Ankofski were last seen on Friday while exploring the Steel Bender Trail east of Moab, according to NBC affiliate KSL-TV.
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Grand County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mike Palmer said they originally received a report about a man and woman in the area of the trail when a flash flood began Friday.
An initial search turned up nothing, but Palmer said search crews returned on Monday after an abandoned vehicle was found. A UTV which belonged to the Ankofski family was also found near the trail.
On Wednesday, officials confirmed to KSL-TV that a pair of pants containing Ray Ankofski’s wallet and ID had been found.
Palmer told KSL-TV searchers were “pretty sure” the two had been caught in the flood waters Friday.
“It looks as if they went to cross it (and the) flood was already there. They got into it and it probably tumbled that UTV down the wash I’m going to say three-quarters of a mile before it stopped,” Palmer told KSL-TV.
Multiple agencies are involved in the search. Ground crews, helicopters, dogs, and other equipment are being utilized to try and find the Ankofski’s.
“Our top priority remains the swift and safe resolution of this situation,” the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said.
The couple’s daughter said search parties will continue looking for the two overnight Wednesday and into Thursday.