Search for missing Pearland couple believed to have been caught in Utah flash flood now a recovery effort, officials say

MOAB, Utah — The search for a Pearland, Texas couple who went missing while on their annual trip to Moab, Utah is now a “recovery effort,” according to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

Ray, 58, and Maranda, 50, Ankofski were reported missing on June 21 after they didn’t return as scheduled from Steel Bender, a popular off-roading trail.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above is from a previous report.

Ray and Maranda have two children. Their daughter, Donna Stevens, told KHOU 11 News her parents were active and enjoyed riding ATVs.

The region has been hit hard by flash flooding recently, making conditions on the trails dangerous.

“It’s just total destruction down through there,” Grand County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Palmer said.

Searchers spent hours sifting through the aftermath along the trail looking for any sign of Ray or Maranda.

“They had gone off-trail — you can see them looking, looking,” Palmer said.

Palmer said crews found some signs of the couple — including an unsettling one in a tree.

“We found a pair of pants last night with a wallet in them — his (Ray’s) wallet and his ID,” Palmer said.

Authorities think they were caught up in floodwaters.

“And it probably tumbled that UTV down the wash — I’m going to say three-quarters of a mile before it stopped,” Palmer said.

In an update Friday, Grand County officials said that despite exhaustive efforts, including the use of advanced search techniques and resources, Ray and Maranda haven’t been located.

Officials said the decision to transition from a “search and rescue mission” to a recovery was based on evidence “at the scene during the operation.”

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office said they are now shifting towards providing closure to the family and friends of Ray and Maranda.

“The Grand County Sheriff’s Office extends profound gratitude to all involved in the search efforts, including volunteers, and community members who offered support and resources during this challenging time,” officials said in a news release.

More than 10 agencies were involved in this operation.