Tragedy struck when four Indian-origin senior citizens from New York, who were reported missing during a road trip to a spiritual site in West Virginia, were found dead following a car crash. Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty confirmed the incident on Sunday.

The victims were identified as Dr. Kishore Divan (89), Mrs. Asha Divan (85), Mr. Shailesh Divan (86), and Mrs. Gita Divan (84). They were traveling from Buffalo to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in Marshall County in a 2009 lime green Toyota Camry bearing New York license plate EKW2611.

According to authorities, the vehicle and the deceased were discovered around 9:30 pm local time on Saturday, off a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road. “First responders were on the scene for more than five hours. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” Sheriff Dougherty stated, adding that an investigation is underway.

The four seniors were last seen at a Burger King in Pennsylvania on July 29. CCTV footage captured two members entering the restaurant, and their final credit card transaction was traced to the same location. Shortly afterward, a Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader detected their car heading south on I-79.

Authorities from Marshall and Ohio counties conducted extensive searches, with details of the vehicle circulated through the National Crime Information Center. A missing persons report was also filed in Buffalo.

The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a nonprofit organization in Williamsville, New York, had actively participated in the search efforts. “Two couples who were traveling are currently missing, and we’re all deeply concerned. We hoped for their safe return, but this news is heartbreaking,” said CHAI President Sibu Nair.