Four seniors from Buffalo, New York, who disappeared during a visit to West Virginia, were discovered deceased on Saturday, August 2, 2025, after their vehicle fell off a steep embankment.
Officials from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Dr. Kishore Divan, 89, Asha Divan, 85, Shailesh Divan, 86, and Gita Divan, 84, were found in their green Toyota Camry at 9:30 p.m. on August 2. The car had gone over a steep decline next to Big Wheeling Creek Road in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Sheriff Mike Dougherty stated that emergency personnel remained on the scene for more than five hours. The family was traveling from Buffalo to visit Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a Hindu temple in Moundsville, West Virginia, but did not reach their intended location.
The group was last seen on Tuesday, July 29, at a Burger King on Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. Surveillance footage captured their visit, marking their final credit card use. Later that day, a Pennsylvania State Police automated license reader identified their vehicle traveling south on Interstate 79.
The family had reservations at the Palace of Gold from July 29-30 but never arrived. Relatives, unable to reach them by phone, reported them missing to authorities in Buffalo.
Dr. Kishore Divan and his wife, Asha, lived in East Amherst, New York. Kishore’s brother, Shailesh, and his wife, Gita, were visiting from India. The accident occurred just five miles from where they planned to stay.
Dr. Divan was a retired physician who had worked with Kaleida Health and played a key role in founding both the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York and the India Association of Buffalo.
Community members expressed surprise at the news. Lavanya Dokania, president of the India Association of Buffalo, described Dr. Divan as a reliable figure. She noted he was extremely supportive and humble, helping students and families during challenging times.
The search for the missing family involved law enforcement from multiple states. Marshall County officers worked with New York officials, attempting to locate the family through digital phone tracking. Phone signals were detected early Wednesday in Moundsville and Wheeling, West Virginia, before they went silent.
Motorists on Big Wheeling Creek Road observed a damaged street sign and vehicle debris, leading officers to the accident site where all four individuals were found deceased.
Dr. Vinod Chahal, president of the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Community leaders acknowledged Dr. Divan’s significant contributions as a charter member.
Dinesh Sukumaran, secretary of the Hindu Cultural Society, described the incident as creating a gap that cannot be filled. He noted Dr. Divan and his wife were pivotal in constructing their temple.
The Hindu Cultural Society released a statement highlighting the Divan family’s integral role in the Indian community across Western New York, emphasizing Dr. Divan’s extensive and enduring involvement.
Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, the family’s destination, issued a statement regarding the accident. Temple officials mentioned the challenging driving conditions for visitors unfamiliar with local roads, and they provide travel instructions to guests, advising caution with GPS navigation systems.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident’s cause, considering possibilities such as mechanical issues, driver disorientation, or road obstacles. The deceased have been taken to a medical examiner to determine contributing factors.
West Virginia roads can be challenging due to their winding nature through mountainous areas and steep drops, posing risks for drivers unfamiliar with the region.
Kaleida Health, Dr. Divan’s former employer, issued a statement confirming his past role on their medical staff and expressed condolences to his family during this difficult time.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve. Memorial services are planned in Buffalo, with details to be announced.
