“They are adventurers; Search underway for missing couple near Moab

GRAND COUNTY, Utah — Search and rescue teams are scouring the Steel Bender Off Road Trail area for an overdue man and woman who were last seen before severe flooding.

Family members identified the missing couple as Raymond Ankofski, 58, and Maranda Ankofski, 51, both from Texas. The family said the two men traveled to the Moab area every year and were last heard from Friday afternoon.

Moab police said the couple was driving in an area where there was severe flash flooding from a storm. Police were informed that the two men had not left their hotel room on Monday and began investigating. Family members say the couple planned to leave on Sunday and return to Texas on Monday.

“At first they weren't worried because we thought maybe they were out of range and they weren't always staying in a hotel,” said Donna Stevens, Ray's sister. “They are adventurers, they even camped in these places, but we hadn’t seen them at their hotel for a few days.”

On Monday, the Grand County Sheriff's Office located an abandoned all-terrain utility vehicle (UTV) in the area. Donna Stevens said the vehicle belonged to the couple.

“They spend a lot of time riding all the trails on their ATVs, and I believe it was the first time on this Steel Bender trail,” Stevens said.

Stevens said the couple was still texting family members to check in.

Now, ground search teams, dogs, helicopters and others with specialized equipment are searching the area to try to locate the Ankofskis.

“It warmed our hearts when we learned last night that a man had spent literally all night until 8am, taken his horse and dog and stayed looking for them all last night. He found where they left their vehicle at the trailhead,” Stevens said.

While the search is ongoing, authorities have asked the public to avoid the Steel Bender Trail area. They recommend that those who wish to help provide food and drinks for the teams by contacting the GCSO. Anyone with information on the couple's whereabouts is also asked to contact the sheriff's office.

“Our top priority remains the rapid and safe resolution of this situation,” officials said.

Stevens said she thought Ray and Maranda were prepared to stay out for an extended period of time. As the search and rescue team continues its efforts, Stevens and the rest of the Ankofski family are praying for the couple's safe return.

“Their family is everything, and right now everyone is torn apart, heartbroken, and every hour feels like days passing without a word,” Stevens said. “At this point we’re just crossing our fingers that they find a way or someone finds them.”