MOAB, Utah (KUTV) — Authorities have positively identified human remains that were discovered in San Juan County in late March as a Texas man who went missing with his wife during Moab flash flooding in 2024.

The Grand County Sheriff's Office in a Thursday statement said Raymond Ankofski's body was discovered 37 miles away from where his wife's remains were ultimately found.

Raymond and his wife Maranda Ankofski disappeared June 21, 2024, while on a UTV ride in the Steel Bender Trail area along Millcreek in Grand County. The couple, from Texas, had been regular visitors to Moab, making annual trips for the past four years.

Maranda was located later located in Millcreek Canyon following their disappearance. The search for both individuals had continued for days after their UTV was found abandoned.

Raymond's remains were discovered approximately 37 miles from the couple's wrecked vehicle.

The flooding on June 21 prompted numerous rescues, with Grand County Search and Rescue crews successfully evacuating 20 people who became stranded in nearby Grandstaff Canyon during the same storm system.

By June 28, search and rescue efforts had transitioned to a recovery mission based on evidence found at the scene, with officials noting the change was aimed at "shifting towards closure for the family and friends of Ray and Maranda Ankofski."

The search involved more than 1,100 man-hours and multiple agencies, including the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Utah Department of Public Safety, and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for their invaluable assistance in the location, recovery, and identification of Raymond Ankofski," Sheriff Jamison Wiggins said in Thursday's statement.

Matthew Jacobson reported from Salt Lake City

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