Elderly Buffalo residents were en route to a spiritual site when their car veered off-road in West Virginia.
In a heartbreaking update to the story of the four missing Indian-origin senior citizens from Buffalo, New York, authorities have confirmed that all four were found dead in a car crash in West Virginia on Saturday night.
🚨 Victims Identified After Days of Search
Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty confirmed the identities of the victims as:
- Dr. Kishore Divan (89)
- Mrs. Asha Divan (85)
- Mr. Shailesh Divan (86)
- Mrs. Gita Divan (84)
The family was last seen on July 29 at a Burger King in Pennsylvania and were traveling to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a spiritual site in Moundsville, West Virginia.
🚗 Vehicle Discovered Off Road
The green 2009 Toyota Camry with New York plates (EKW2611) was found around 9:30 PM on Saturday, off a steep embankment near Big Wheeling Creek Road. The area was wooded and difficult to access, which made the search more complex.
“First responders were at the scene for over five hours,” said Sheriff Dougherty. “Our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
🕵️♀️ Timeline of Events
- July 29: Last seen at a Burger King in Pennsylvania.
- Credit Card Activity: Confirmed transaction at the same outlet.
- Surveillance Footage: Showed two family members entering the restaurant.
- Vehicle Spotted: A license plate reader recorded their car heading south on I-79.
- Search Efforts: Conducted by Marshall and Ohio County deputies with support from the National Crime Information Center.
- Missing Persons Report: Filed in Buffalo, NY.
🛐 Destination Was a Religious Pilgrimage
The family was headed to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a renowned spiritual destination for ISKCON followers. It’s believed they planned to stop in Pittsburgh before continuing to West Virginia.
🤝 Community Efforts to Locate the Family
The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI) and its president Sibu Nair actively appealed to the public for help during the search. Community members also assisted in spreading the word through social media and local networks.
“We were all deeply concerned,” said Nair. “It’s a devastating outcome for the Indian-American community.”
📌 What’s Next?
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. More details will be released following the official completion of the investigation.
Also Read : Four Indian-Origin Seniors Missing in US After Last Seen at Pennsylvania Burger Shop
