Authorities have confirmed that human remains found in a canyon in Grand County, Utah, belong to a Texas woman who went missing alongside her husband while exploring the Moab area last weekend.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office reported that the Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains discovered in the canyon on July 22, 2024, as belonging to Maranda Ankofski.
“The Grand County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt sympathies to [Maranda] Ankofski’s family and friends during this challenging period,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release. “We recognize the deep impact this news may have on the community and remain dedicated to providing updates as more information surfaces.”
According to the couple’s family, Maranda and her husband Ray were exploring the Steel Bender Off Road Trail in Moab. They were last heard from just before a thunderstorm hit the Moab region on July 19.
COUPLE MISSING IN UTAH MAY HAVE BEEN SWEPT AWAY IN FLASH FLOOD WHILE EXPLORING TRAIL ON UTV
Authorities reported that the Ankofskis’ UTV was found damaged, with their belongings scattered across a 3-mile area in the canyon. (Ankofski Family via KSTU)
The storm induced flash flooding, which trapped numerous hikers in the vicinity. The Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue confirmed that at least 20 stranded hikers were rescued from Grand Staff Canyon during a six-hour operation.
Following the report of the couple being missing on Monday, officials initiated a search and rescue operation. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office located the couple’s UTV in the Steel Bender Trail area.
BODY FOUND NEAR SAN DIEGO TRAIL WHERE MISSING HIKER SEPARATED FROM GROUP DURING HEAT WAVE
Ray and Maranda Ankofski were reported missing on Monday after a storm impacted the Moab area where they were riding their UTV on a trail. (Ankofski Family via KSTU)
Chief Deputy Mike Palmer shared with FOX13 that the UTV was likely carried away by the flash flooding caused by the storm and was significantly damaged.
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“It seems the flood may have pushed the UTV anywhere from three-quarters of a mile to a mile down the wash and over the waterfall,” Palmer explained. “Their tools and personal items are scattered across a three-mile stretch in this canyon.”
Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
