Human remains have been discovered in a submerged car in a Utah reservoir, solving a mystery that began nearly two decades ago.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday, February 11, that the remains were those of Steven Willard Anderson. Anderson, aged 46 at the time, vanished in 2004.
Authorities do not suspect foul play and have officially concluded the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
KUTV reported that Anderson left his home in Murray with the intention of making a 200-mile journey to his family’s cabin in Flaming Gorge, Utah. However, his family never heard from him after he was expected to arrive.
Concerned, his father visited the cabin but found no sign of Anderson.
Local reports indicate that Anderson had rented a vehicle for the trip, yet he disappeared without leaving any clues. Despite being reported missing immediately, the case turned cold, leaving his family and friends without answers for years.
Doug Bishop from United Search Corps, a nonprofit focusing on missing persons, revisited the case alongside Utah’s own internet influencer, Dave Sparks, to uncover the truth.
CBS News stated that the duo began collaborating with local authorities and creating awareness videos last spring to seek resolution.
The work by Utah’s Office of the Medical Examiner and a private lab ultimately confirmed the identification of Anderson’s remains.
Anderson’s son, Axel, expressed to 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,” Axel added.
The sheriff’s office released a statement saying: “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.”
Anderson’s brother, Kevin, shared: “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,” Kevin expressed.