Searchers Rescued, 2 Missing: Tragedy Strikes Grand County, Utah Canyon

Human remains found in a Grand County, Utah canyon have been identified as Maranda Ankofski.

Human Remains Found in Utah’s Grand County

Human remains discovered in a canyon in Grand County, Utah have been identified as Maranda Ankofski and a Texas woman who went missing along with her husband, Ray Ankofski while exploring the Moab area. The couple was last in contact on July 19 just before a severe thunderstorm struck. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Maranda’s identity on July 22, 2024 and offered their condolences to her family, pledging to keep the community informed as more details emerge.

The storm triggered flash flooding that significantly impacted the area where the Ankofskis were. Their UTV was found damaged and dispersed over a three-mile stretch in a canyon, indicating it had been carried away by the floodwaters. The Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team successfully rescued at least 20 hikers trapped in Grand Staff Canyon during a six-hour mission. The Ankofskis’ belongings were discovered scattered throughout the canyon complicating the search efforts.

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(photo: Fox News)

Search Efforts Ongoing for Missing Couple After Fatal UTV Accident in Grand County

Chief Deputy Mike Palmer explained that the flood likely moved the UTV a considerable distance, resulting in severe damage. The search for Ray Ankofski continues as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the couple’s disappearance. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing updates as they receive more information while the community and family cope with this tragic loss, according to the report of Fox News.

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