Human remains found in a ravine in Grand County, Utah, have been identified as those of a Texas woman who went missing last weekend while exploring the Moab area with her husband, authorities said.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office said the coroner’s office confirmed that the body found in a ravine on July 22, 2024, has been identified as Maranda Ankowski.
“The Grand County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of (Maranda) Ankowski during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “We understand the significant impact this news will have on the community and will endeavor to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Maranda and her husband, Ray, had been exploring around the Steelbenders Off-Road Trail in Moab, the couple’s family told FOX 13 in Salt Lake City. They were last seen on July 19 before thunderstorms rolled into the Moab area.
Missing Utah couple may have been swept away by flash flooding while exploring trails in a UTV
Authorities said the Ankowskis’ UTV was damaged and their belongings were found scattered across a three-mile stretch of the canyon. (The Ankowski Family, via KSTU)
The storm caused flash flooding that trapped many hikers in the area, and Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue said at least 20 hikers were rescued from Grandstaff Canyon during a six-hour search.
Authorities launched a search and rescue effort after the couple was reported missing on Monday, and the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said the couple’s UTV was found in the Steele Bender Trail area.
Body found near San Diego trail after missing hiker gets separated from group during heat wave
Ray and Maranda Ankowski were reported missing Monday after storms hit the Moab area where they were riding on a trail in a UTV. (The Ankowski Family, via KSTU)
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Palmer told FOX 13 the UTV was likely swept away by flash flooding during the storm and sustained extensive damage.
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“Their UTV was probably flooded about three-quarters to a mile and swept into the riverbed and over the falls,” Palmer said. “Their equipment and belongings are scattered over a three-mile stretch of this canyon.”
Fox News Digital’s Steven Sorellese contributed to this report.
