The search for Ray and Maranda Ankofski, a couple from Pearland, Texas, who went missing in Moab, Utah, has shifted to a priority recovery operation, according to officials. This story has also been trending on Google Trends.
The Ankofskis disappeared on June 21 after embarking on the Steel Bender off-road trail, a route they were familiar with having visited twice before.
The alarm was raised when their utility terrain vehicle (UTV) was discovered overturned, abandoned, and severely damaged. Concerns heightened as Ray and Maranda did not return as scheduled, prompting a widespread search effort that garnered significant attention on Google Trends.
"The decision to transition from a search and rescue mission to a recovery mission was made based on evidence at the scene," said officials from the Grand County Sheriff's Office, expressing gratitude to the numerous volunteers and community members who aided in the search.
Despite extensive efforts utilizing advanced search techniques and resources, including the discovery of items like the couple's cooler and Ray's rain jacket, Ray and Maranda Ankofski remain unaccounted for.
The couple's family described them as passionate outdoor enthusiasts with extensive experience in hiking, camping, and UTV riding.
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