VOIWORLD Desk
It was meant to be a peaceful pilgrimage—a journey of faith and reflection for four elderly members of an Indian-origin family from Buffalo, New York. But what began as a road trip to one of America’s hidden spiritual gems ended in heartbreak.
Dr. Kishore Divan (89), his wife Asha Divan (85), along with Shailesh Divan (86) and Gita Divan (84), set off last week in their distinctive 2009 lime green Toyota Camry. Their destination: Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in Marshall County, West Virginia—a site revered by devotees of the Hare Krishna movement for its serene beauty and spiritual significance.
Their last known public appearance was on July 29, when two of them were seen entering a Burger King restaurant in Pennsylvania. CCTV footage and a credit card transaction confirmed their presence. Shortly after, a license plate reader on Interstate 79 picked up their vehicle heading south, marking the last digital trace of their journey.
Days passed with no word. Concern grew among friends, family, and the wider Indian-American community. A missing persons report was filed in Buffalo. Authorities in Marshall and Ohio counties launched extensive searches, aided by the nonprofit Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI) in Williamsville, New York.
“We’re all deeply concerned,” CHAI President Sibu Nair said at the time. “Two couples who were traveling are currently missing. We’re hoping they’re safe and will be found soon.”
That hope faded late Saturday night.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., first responders discovered a vehicle at the bottom of a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in West Virginia. Inside were the bodies of all four missing family members. The search had ended—in the most tragic way possible.
Sheriff Mike Dougherty of Marshall County confirmed the grim discovery on Sunday. “The four individuals who were reported missing have been found deceased following a vehicle crash,” he said. First responders remained at the remote site for over five hours, working in difficult terrain.
The Sheriff extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured that further details would be shared once the investigation is complete.
As the community mourns, the loss serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of older travelers navigating long distances. What was intended to be a spiritual retreat ended in sorrow, leaving behind questions—and memories of four lives rooted in devotion, family, and faith.
