Missing Pearland Utah couple reportedly caught in flash flood while exploring trail

MOAB, UT – Utah authorities are searching for a Pearland couple who were reported missing after exploring a trail.

Ray and Maranda Ankofski were last seen Friday while exploring the Steel Bender Trail east of Moab, according to NBC affiliate KSL-TV.

Grand County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Palmer said he initially received a report of a man and woman in the trail area when a flash flood began Friday.

An initial search turned up nothing, but Palmer said search teams returned Monday after discovering an abandoned vehicle. An ATV belonging to the Ankofski family was also found near the trail.

On Wednesday, authorities confirmed to KSL-TV that a pair of pants containing Ray Ankofski’s wallet and ID card had been found.

Palmer said KSL-TV researchers were “pretty sure” the two men were caught in floodwaters Friday.

“It looks like they went to cross it (and the) flood was already there. They got in there and he probably ran that UTV into the wash, I’m going to say three-quarters of a mile before he stopped,” Palmer told KSL-TV.

Several agencies are involved in the research. Ground teams, helicopters, dogs and other equipment are being used to try to find the Ankofskis.

“Our top priority remains the quick and safe resolution of this situation,” the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said.

The couple’s daughter said search teams would continue their search through Wednesday night and Thursday.