MOAB, Utah – Authorities in Utah have been searching for a couple from Pearland went missing after they went exploring on a trail. Eight days after they vanished, local authorities have transitioned their search into a recovery effort.
Ray and Maranda Ankofski were last seen on June 21 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 announced the update in a press release Friday evening:
“Despite exhaustive efforts, including the use of advanced search techniques and resources, Ray and Maranda Ankofski have not been located,” the statement read. “The decision to transition from a search and rescue mission to a recovery was made based on evidence at the scene during the operation. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office is shifting towards closure for the family and friends of Ray and Maranda Ankofski.”
An initial search turned up nothing, but Palmer said search crews returned to the area after the couple’s abandoned vehicle was found. A UTV which belonged to the Ankofski family was also found near the trail.
Officials also 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 on June 21.
“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.