Steven Willard Anderson, left, and his car found in Starvation Reservoir, right.Photo:Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office (2)
Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office (2)
Officials said Anderson was traveling to a family cabin in Flaming Gorge but never reached his destination, according toThe Salt Lake Tribune.
In October, the sheriff’s officeannouncedthat a vehicle found in about 50 feet of water in the Starvation Reservoir on Sept. 29 was “confirmed to be connected to Steven’s case.”
Crews later found human remains inside the vehicle. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner has since confirmed they belong to Steven, authorities said.
Steven Anderson’s green Toyota Sequoia, the vehicle he drove the day of his disappearance.Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office
The medical examiner’s office said no foul play is suspected in connection with Steven’s death, officials added.
Axel Anderson, Steven’s son, toldFOX affiliate KSTUthat he’s happy his family will have “some closure” after all these years.
“The search is over, the questions are answered and we can start a new chapter," Axel said. “He was an incredible person and that’s why we spent 20 years looking for him.”
Bishop located the car in the reservoir in September, and Sparks’ team helped pull the vehicle from the water.
“To Steven’s family: Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time,” United Search Corpssaid in a statement shared on Facebookin October after Anderson’s remains were found. “While nothing can undo the pain of losing a loved one, we hope that the answers found will bring some measure of peace.”
“The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Anderson’s family and thanks all agencies involved in the recovery process for their dedication and professionalism,” officials stated.
United Search Corps thanked the “dedicated volunteers” who helped with the search. “This recovery was no small task, requiring determination, relentless teamwork, and cutting-edge search & recovery techniques,” the organization said.
They added, “Thanks to the combined efforts of all involved, another cold case has moved toward resolution.”
source: people.com
