In a heart breaking turn of events, four Indian-origin senior citizens who had gone missing while traveling from New York to a spiritual destination in West Virginia have been found dead following a tragic car crash. The Marshal County Sheriff’s Office in West Virginia confirmed the discovery late Saturday night
The victims have been identified as Dr. Kishore Divan (89), Mrs. Asha Divan (85), Mr. Shailesh Divan (86), and Mrs. Gita Divan (84) — all residents of Buffalo, New York.
The family was en route to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a popular spiritual landmark in Marshall County, West Virginia, when they disappeared, sparking a multi-state search effort involving local authorities and the community.
The family was last seen on July 29 before missing , when surveillance footage captured two members entering a Burger King outlet in Pennsylvania. Authorities also traced their final known credit card transaction to the same location. Shortly after, a Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader detected their vehicle — a 2009 lime green Toyota Camry with New York license plate EKW2611 — heading south on Interstate 79.
They were believed to be traveling through Pittsburgh and then onward to Moundsville, West Virginia. Concern began to grow after no further sightings or transactions were recorded.
4 Indian & Missing Car Discovered Off Embankment
According to Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty, 4 missing indian and the crashed vehicle deceased individuals were located around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, down a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road, a remote and winding area that may have contributed to the crash.
“After missing/crash First responders were on the scene for more than five hours,” Sheriff Dougherty said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Further information will be released as the investigation continues.”
The Sheriff’s Office officially confirmed the identities in a Facebook post, acknowledging the loss and thanking the community for its assistance and concern during the search.
The disappearance had triggered a widespread search effort involving law enforcement from Marshall and Ohio counties in West Virginia, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police. A missing persons report was filed in Buffalo, and the National Crime Information Center was updated with the vehicle’s details.
Local volunteers and nonprofit organizations also joined the efforts to locate the family. The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a community-based nonprofit organization located in Williamsville, New York, was among those actively working to raise awareness about the missing individuals.
Speaking to the media before the discovery, CHAI President Sibu Nair had said, “Two couples who were traveling are currently missing, and we’re all deeply concerned. If anyone has heard from them or has any updates, please reach out. Hoping they’re safe and will be found soon.”
Devastation in the Community
The tragic outcome has deeply affected the Indian-American community in Buffalo and beyond. Known for their close ties to the community and active participation in religious and cultural events, the Divan family was well-respected.
Friends and neighbors described them as deeply spiritual, kind-hearted individuals who often visited temples and community centers across the state. Their journey to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, which is sometimes referred to as “America’s Taj Mahal,” was meant to be a peaceful spiritual retreat, not the last trip of their lives.
Local leaders and family friends have expressed sorrow over the news. “It’s hard to believe that such a simple journey could end in such devastation,” said a close family acquaintance in Buffalo. “They were wonderful people who brought warmth and wisdom to every room they entered.”
Investigation Ongoing
While the cause of the crash has yet to be officially determined, the location of the vehicle — at the bottom of a steep embankment in a sparsely populated area — suggests the car may have veered off the road, possibly due to low visibility, an error in navigation, or a medical emergency. Authorities have not ruled anything out and are expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.
Officials have not mentioned any signs of foul play. Autopsies and vehicle examinations are underway to help determine what exactly led to the accident.
As the investigation continues, the Divan family is being remembered by loved ones, community members, and religious leaders who mourn the tragic end to a life-affirming journey. Plans for a memorial service are reportedly underway in Buffalo, where the family’s legacy of warmth, spirituality, and togetherness lives on.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly a peaceful journey can turn tragic — and highlights the importance of community support and awareness in the face of such unexpected loss.
