DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah, Feb. 11, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — The remains recovered from a submerged vehicle in Starvation Reservoir have now been confirmed to be those of Steven Willard Anderson.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff‘s office on Tuesday shared the news, after receiving the results from Utah Medical Examiner’s Office and from an independent lab.
Anderson, 46 and from Salt Lake County, was reported missing in June of 2004.
On Sept. 29, 2024, a vehicle located in the reservoir, at a depth of about 50 feet, was confirmed to be connected to Anderson’s case.
“A collaborative recovery effort on Sept. 30, 2024, led to the successful extraction of both the vehicles and the remains found inside,” the Sheriff’s Office statement says.
“Following DNA testing from a private lab and examination at the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner has determined no foul play is suspected. As a result, Anderson’s case will be officially closed.
“The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office extends condolences to Anderson’s family and thanks all agencies involved in the recovery process for their dedication and professionalism.”
The first break in the case came in 2022, when Doug Bishop, with the United Search Corps, and Dave Sparks, with Sparks Motors, had been investigating. Their efforts would lead to the location where Anderson’s body would ultimately be recovered.
In April of 2024, they met and collaborated on the case with Ben Pender from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The efforts of multiple agencies would lead to the vehicle’s recovery in September.
