Texas Couple Missing in Utah, Believed Swept Away in Flash Flood During Off-Road Adventure

Texas couple missing in Utah after being swept away in flash flood while riding off-road vehicle. Search and rescue operation ongoing.

A couple from Texas, Ray and Maranda Ankofski, has gone missing in Utah after being believed to have been swept away in a flash flood while riding their off-road utility vehicle (UTV) on a trail over the weekend. The couple was exploring the Steel Bender Off Road Trail area in Moab, where they were last heard from on Friday before a severe thunderstorm struck the area.

Adventurous Spirit

Ray’s sister, Donna Stevens, spoke to FOX13 Salt Lake City, expressing that the couple were adventurous and had camped out in similar places before, but it was believed to be their first time on the Steel Bender Trail. The severe storm triggered flash flooding, which not only affected the Ankofskis but also trapped multiple hikers in the area, leading to a significant rescue operation.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Following their reported disappearance on Monday, officials launched a search and rescue operation. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the couple’s UTV was found in the Steel Bender Trail area, and it was evident that the vehicle had been badly damaged, likely from being swept away in the flash flooding during the storm.

"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," Chief Deputy Mike Palmer shared with FOX13. "Their tools and belongings are scattered over a three-mile area in this canyon."

Urgent Search Continues

As of now, there have been no further updates on the search for the missing couple. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the severe impact of the storm by sharing a photo of the mud-covered Highway 128 after the severe thunderstorm triggered flash flooding in the area. The family is anxiously waiting for any news about the missing couple, expressing their heartbreak as they endure this difficult time.

Ray’s sister, Donna Stevens, expressed the family’s anguish, saying, "At this point, we're just keeping our fingers crossed that they find a way or somebody finds them." The family's hope remains steadfast as they await any developments in the search for the missing couple.

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