The body parts found in a canyon in Grand County, Utah, have been recognized as those of a Texas woman who went missing last weekend with her husband while exploring an area in Moab.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office said that the Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed that Maranda Ankofski’s body was found in the creek on July 22, 2024.
In a news release, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said, “During this difficult time, the sheriff’s office sends its deepest condolences to Ankofski’s family and friends.” “We understand the profound impact this news may have on the community and are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.”
FOX 13 in Salt Lake City was told that Maranda and her husband Ray were visiting the Steel Bender Off-Road Trail area in Moab. On July 19, before a storm hit the Moab area, they were last heard from.
Flash flooding caused by the storm caught many hikers in the area. At least 20 lost hikers were saved from Grand Staff Canyon over six hours, according to the Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.
The couple went missing on Monday, so the police started a search and rescue operation. They said that their UTV was found in the Steel Bender Trail area by the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Deputy Mike Palmer told FOX13 that the UTV was probably washed away in the surges of water during the storm and was badly injured.
“It appears that probably once the flood hit the UTV, we’re thinking anywhere from three-quarters to a mile, pushed it down the wash and off of the waterfall,” said Palmer. “Their tools and belongings are scattered over a three-mile area in this canyon.”
