The Body Of A Guy Who Went Missing Was Found In His Car Almost 20 Years After He Was Last Seen
The bones of a man who vanished nearly two decades ago have been discovered in a reservoir in Utah.
On Tuesday, February 11, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had uncovered the human remains in a car that had been found in the reservoir.
Since then, he has been recognized as 46-year-old Steven Willard Anderson, who vanished in 2004.
The sheriff’s office verified that officers officially closed the case on Tuesday and that no foul play is suspected.
Anderson left his Murray home to travel 200 miles to his family’s cabin near Flaming George, Utah, according to KUTV.
But after he was supposed to arrive, his family never heard from him, so his father finally went to the cabin to look for him, but Anderson was not there.
Local accounts indicate that Anderson rented a car to make the drive, but the Utah Department of Public Safety reported his disappearance.
Anderson’s family and acquaintances were unaware of his whereabouts after his family promptly reported him missing, however the matter eventually turned into a cold case.
Doug Bishop from United Search Corps, “a nonprofit that specializes in missing person cases,” took up the cold case and collaborated with Utah internet celebrity Dave Sparks to assist find the truth.
According to CBS News, in an effort to gain clarity, the two started creating recordings and collaborating with local officials last spring.
Additionally, police were able to verify that the remains were those of Anderson thanks to the efforts of a private lab and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.
The man’s son, Axel told Fox13: “[It’s] just been a wound that, you know has continuously been opened over the past 20 years just not knowing.”
“It’s good to have some closure for the family and I’m excited for the future now. The search is over, the questions are answered and we can start a new chapter.”
In a statement, the sheriff’s office stated: “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.”
Meanwhile, Anderson’s brother, Kevin, said: “It’s good to have some closure for the family and I’m excited for the future now.”
“The finality of it all but also the closure of it all that provides all of us with the abilities to say, ‘OK, this is what’s happened’.”
“Nothing but gratitude and appreciation for everyone that’s helped and has provided this amazing gift of closure.”
