New York (National Times): In a tragic turn of events, four Indian-origin family members who went missing during a road trip from Buffalo, New York, to West Virginia were found dead in a car crash, confirmed Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty late Saturday night.
The deceased have been identified as Dr. Kishore Divan, Asha Divan, Shailesh Divan, and Gita Divan. Authorities discovered their light green Toyota Camry around 9:30 pm on August 2 at the bottom of a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in Marshall County, West Virginia.
“The four individuals reported missing from Buffalo, New York, have been found deceased following a vehicle crash. First responders were on the scene for more than five hours. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families,” the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Last Sighting and Search Efforts
The family was last seen at 2:45 pm on July 29 at a Burger King on Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, where surveillance footage captured two of them entering the restaurant. Their last credit card transaction was also recorded at the same location.
A Pennsylvania State Trooper’s license plate reader later detected their car traveling south on Interstate 79 towards Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a spiritual retreat in Moundsville, West Virginia. However, the family never checked into their pre-booked accommodation.
Cellphone pings indicated their devices were last active around 3 am Wednesday in the Moundsville and Wheeling areas. Despite a multi-agency search and public appeals for information, no contact was made with the missing family until their car was found.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. Sheriff Dougherty stated that further details would be released after the investigation is complete.
“This is not the outcome anyone hoped for. We are thankful for the public’s support during the search and remain committed to uncovering what happened,” the sheriff added.
A missing persons report had been filed earlier in Buffalo, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office had released surveillance images and vehicle details in an attempt to locate the family before the tragic discovery.
