Raymond Ankofski, 58, and Maranda Ankofski, 51, Texas Couple, Feared Missing in Moab, Utah, as Search Efforts Intensify Amid Flash Flooding Concerns
Raymond Ankofski, 58, and Maranda Ankofski, 51, a couple from Texas, have been identified as the missing pair in Moab, Utah, by family members. The couple, who visit Moab annually, were last heard from on Friday afternoon, prompting a massive search operation.
Search and rescue teams are currently investigating the Steel Bender Off Road Trail region, where the couple was last seen before a major flooding disaster. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that search efforts will continue on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s unsuccessful attempts.
According to Moab police, the couple was traveling in an area prone to severe flash flooding caused by a storm. When they failed to check out of their hotel room on Monday, authorities began investigating. The pair had planned to leave on Sunday and return to Texas on Monday.
On Monday, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office found an abandoned utility terrain vehicle (UTV) in the region, which was later confirmed to belong to the couple by Ray’s sister, Donna Stevens. The Ankofskis are known for rock crawling trails on their ATV, and this was their first time on the Steel Bender Trail.
The family was initially unconcerned, assuming the pair was out of range or camping, as they frequently do. However, a lack of communication grew alarming, and the family has been greatly affected, feeling heartbroken and apprehensive as time passes without receiving any news.
Ground search teams, dogs, helicopters, and other specialist equipment are being employed to track down the Ankofskis. A determined individual spent the entire night searching with his horse and dog for the couple’s vehicle at the trailhead.
Officials have advised the public to avoid the Steel Bender Trail area to help with search efforts. Those who want to help can donate food and refreshments to the search crews by contacting the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on the couple’s whereabouts should contact the sheriff’s office.
The family remains hopeful and prays for their safe return, with Stevens expressing hope that Ray and Maranda are prepared to spend an extended period of time outdoors. “Every hour feels like days go by without a word,” Stevens added, highlighting the family’s emotional distress.
The search for Raymond and Maranda Ankofski continues, with a collaborative effort from search and rescue agencies and the local community. The primary priority remains to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible, with the family and community hoping for the couple’s safe return.
