Tragic Discovery of Missing Indian-Origin Family Members in US
In a heartbreaking development, four senior citizens of Indian origin who went missing during a road trip from Buffalo, New York, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were found dead in a vehicle crash in West Virginia. The unfortunate incident was confirmed by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, which is currently conducting a detailed investigation.
Details of the Incident
The victims, identified as Asha Divan, Kishore Divan, Shailesh Divan, and Gita Divan, were reported missing after last being seen on July 31, 2025. Surveillance footage from a Burger King in Erie, Pennsylvania, showed two family members entering the restaurant and making their last credit card transaction. They were traveling in a light-green 2009 Toyota Camry with New York plates (EKW2611).
According to authorities, the vehicle was discovered late Saturday evening, August 2, 2025, around 9:30 PM, off a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in Marshall County, West Virginia. First responders worked for over five hours at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Outreach
Marshall County Sheriff Dougherty expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims. While the initial findings indicate a fatal crash, the sheriff's office continues to probe the circumstances around the accident. Law enforcement is actively seeking any information from the public that could assist in piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Notably, the family had planned to visit a temple in Pittsburgh and then proceed to Prabhupada’s Palace Lodge Hotel in Moundsville, West Virginia, before the crash occurred. Their sudden disappearance had concerned both local communities and the Indian diaspora across the United States.
Contextual Insight: The Challenges Faced by Indian Immigrant Seniors on US Road Trips
This incident sheds light on the particular vulnerabilities of senior immigrants navigating unfamiliar highways and rural areas in the US. Seniors traveling long distances, often alone or in small family groups, may encounter increased risks such as delayed emergency response times or difficulties in communication.
Law enforcement agencies in the US are encouraged to redouble efforts in outreach, particularly regarding missing persons reports involving immigrant communities, to ensure prompt and culturally sensitive support.
What Happens Next?
- Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
- Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, vehicle records, and witness testimonies.
- Community organizations serving Asian American and Pacific Islanders may provide support to affected families.
Expert Perspective
From a policy standpoint, this tragedy highlights the need for enhanced safety and emergency infrastructure on rural roads often traveled by long-distance drivers. It also calls for improved communication strategies to engage immigrant communities swiftly during emergencies.
Editor’s Note
This tragic event reverberates far beyond the immediate loss, prompting reflection on road safety, immigrant experiences, and community resilience in the US. As investigations proceed, it is crucial that authorities prioritize transparent communication with the families and community stakeholders affected. The case also underscores a broader societal imperative — to better support aging immigrant populations who often traverse unfamiliar terrains in pursuit of family connections and cultural roots.
We invite readers to remain informed and vigilant, recognizing that each missing person report carries a human story deserving of urgent attention and compassion.
