• Source:JND
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A tragic end has come to the search for a missing Indian-origin family of four from New York, who were found dead following a vehicle crash in West Virginia. Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty confirmed the heartbreaking discovery on Sunday, a day after their vehicle was located.

The victims have been identified as Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84). The elderly family members were reported missing earlier this week while travelling from Buffalo, New York, to a spiritual site in Moundsville, West Virginia. Their destination was Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a well-known spiritual retreat nestled in the Appalachian hills.

Vehicle Found Off Steep Embankment

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, the search concluded on Saturday, August 2, at approximately 9:30 PM, when the family's vehicle was located off a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road. First responders worked at the scene for over five hours to recover the victims and secure the area.

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“Their vehicle was located on Saturday, August 2, at approximately 9:30 pm, off a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Sheriff Dougherty extends condolences to the families of the victims.”

Cause Of Crash Under Investigation

Authorities have yet to confirm what led to the fatal crash. Sheriff Dougherty said in a statement that a detailed investigation is ongoing and further information will be shared once available. So far, there is no indication of foul play, but the cause of the accident remains undetermined. 

The Divan family was last seen on Tuesday at a Burger King on Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, as confirmed by surveillance footage. Later that day, a Pennsylvania State Trooper’s license plate reader captured their vehicle travelling southbound on Interstate 79. It is believed they were en route to the Palace of Gold when tragedy struck. However, they never arrived at the spiritual site, prompting a multi-agency search.

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Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs at the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, shared the news in a Facebook post and offered condolences to the family and community.