HOUSTON – The brother and sister-in-law of a Pearland couple that disappeared while exploring a trail in Utah Friday, are speaking to KPRC 2 about details of that trip as search crews continue to look for them.
“I miss them, I miss them both. I love them and I wish I could turn back time and they’re still here,” said Mark Ankofski, who is Ray Ankofski’s brother.
Mark and his wife Angie held back tears speaking about Ray and his wife Maranda.
“That’s my brother you know. We grew up close hunting, fishing, camping. So many good memories,” Mark said.
On Saturday, June 15th, the couple that shares two kids put their love of the outdoors into action, taking a nearly 1,300 mile road trip from their home in Pearland to Utah.
“They definitely loved that area and loved to do the rock climbing on the side by sides. It definitely drew them back because they went for the last three or four years,” Angie said.
Angie says while her in-laws had been to Utah exploring several times before, it’s the first time they had ventured on the Steel Bender Trail east of Moab. On Friday something went wrong.
“We’ve been able to track down someone that was actually out on the trail and seen them around 5:20 that evening, and so at least we know the last time someone actually seen them,” Angie said.
The Grand County Sheriff’s office tells KSL-TV, an NBC affiliate in Utah its believed Ray and Maranda got caught in flash flood waters and the UTV they were riding may have tumbled 3/4 of a mile before it stopped.
“All you have are these images and thoughts of what could’ve happened,” Angie said.
So far, all that’s been found is Ray and Maranda’s UTV, Ray’s jeans that had his wallet and ID in them, and the vehicle they used to drive to Utah, but back home in the Houston area, hope is not lost.
“Just hoping maybe, they might be injured, and they can’t get out of a cave or behind somewhere that they’re at, and that the recovery team will find them, and we can bring them home safe and alive,” Angie said.
Mark and Angie say they’re leaving for Utah tomorrow to meet with the Grand County Sheriff who will take them to the wreck site. They will get the lay of the land and offer support to the much-appreciated search crews.