Human Remains Found in Submerged Car Identified as Utah Man Who Vanished on the Way to Family’s Cabin in 2004

Authorities have confirmed that the remains found in a submerged car in a Utah reservoir belong to a man who disappeared more than 20 years ago.

Steven Willard Anderson was reported missing in June 2004, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

Officials said Anderson was traveling to a family cabin in Flaming Gorge but never reached his destination, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

In October, the sheriff’s office announced that 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.

The medical examiner’s office said no foul play is suspected in connection with Steven’s death, officials added.

Axel Anderson, Steven’s son, told FOX affiliate KSTU that 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.”

Doug Bishop with the United Search Corps and Dave Sparks with Spark Motors, which is featured on the reality TV show Diesel Brothers, “began collaborating on the case” in April after Anderson’s case was highlighted by local media outlets in March 2022, according to the sheriff’s office.

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 Corps said in a statement shared on Facebook in 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.”

Authorities said Anderson’s case is now closed.

“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.”