Body pulled from Starvation Reservoir confirmed to be missing Utah man

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A body that was recovered from Starvation Reservoir in September has been confirmed to be the remains of a Utah man who has been missing for more than 20 years.

On Sept. 30, 2024, several agencies recovered a vehicle with human remains from the reservoir water. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office quickly connected the car to Steven Willard Anderson, who was 47 years old when he was first reported missing in June 2004.

On Feb. 11, 2025, officials with the Sheriff’s Office said it received confirmation from the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner and a private lab that the remains have been identified as Anderson.

Investigators said that based on DNA testing from the private lab and the examination from the Medical Examiner’s office, no foul play is suspected.

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Anderson was on his way to paint a family cabin in Flaming Gorge but never arrived. An investigation into his sudden disappearance went on for several years and his case even received renewed public attention in March 2022.

In April 2024, Doug Bishop with the United Search Corps and Dave Sparks with Spark Motors caught wind of the case and began working with Detective Ben Pender with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Just months later, officials recovered the car from Starvation Reservoir.

“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,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.