Marshall County, WV — A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the community of Marshall County, West Virginia, and reverberated through Buffalo, New York, as authorities confirmed the deaths of four cherished individuals in a devastating vehicle crash. Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty announced late Saturday night, August 2, 2025, that Dr. Kishore Divan, 89, Mrs. Asha Divan, 85, Mr. Shailesh Divan, 86, and Mrs. Gita Divan, 84—all members of the extended Divan family from Buffalo—were found deceased at the site of a single-vehicle accident along Big Wheeling Creek Road.
The family’s 2009 lime green Toyota Camry, bearing New York license plate EKW2611, was discovered around 9:30 PM on August 2, after veering off a steep embankment in a remote, heavily wooded area of Marshall County, just 8 kilometers from their intended destination. First responders faced challenging conditions, working for over five hours to recover the victims and secure the scene. The discovery marked a tragic end to a week-long, multi-state search for the four senior citizens, who had been reported missing after losing contact with family and friends.
**A Family’s Spiritual Journey Cut Short
The Divan family was en route to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a renowned Hindu temple and spiritual retreat in Moundsville, West Virginia, often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of the West.” The family had last been seen on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at a Burger King on Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, where surveillance footage captured them and their final credit card transaction was recorded. A Pennsylvania State Trooper’s license plate reader later detected their vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 79, but they never arrived at their prepaid lodging at the temple, prompting concern among relatives.
A missing persons report was filed in Buffalo, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Ohio County deputies, launched an extensive search. The Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), a nonprofit based in Williamsville, New York, also joined efforts to locate the family, with CHAI President Sibu Nair issuing a public appeal for information. “Two elderly couples traveling together had gone missing. We were all hoping for their safe return. This is heartbreaking,” Nair said, reflecting the sentiments of a grieving community.
**A Respected Family Remembered
The Divan family was deeply respected in Buffalo, particularly within the South Asian and medical communities. Dr. Kishore Divan, a retired physician, was celebrated for his decades of compassionate service at Kaleida Health, where he was a former member of the Medical/Dental Staff. “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Kaleida Health stated. Mrs. Asha Divan was known for her active involvement in local cultural and spiritual organizations, fostering community connections. Mr. Shailesh Divan and Mrs. Gita Divan were described by friends as kindhearted and devoted, leaving a legacy of warmth and generosity.
“It’s hard to believe they’re gone,” a Buffalo neighbor shared. “They were such good people—always welcoming, always giving.” The Indian-American community has been left in shock, with memorials and tributes already being planned to honor the family’s profound impact.
**Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and state-level authorities. The vehicle’s remote location, several miles from the highway, made recovery efforts among the most challenging for the Sheriff’s Department. The West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct autopsies, and toxicology reports are pending to determine potential contributing factors such as mechanical failure, road conditions, or other variables. Sheriff Dougherty has stated that no foul play is suspected at this time, and further details will be released upon completion of the investigation.
“We know this is not the outcome anyone had hoped for,” Sheriff Dougherty said in a statement. “We are grateful for the public’s assistance during the search and will continue to work with partner agencies to determine what happened.” He extended heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the commitment to a thorough and respectful investigation.
**A Community Mourns and Reflects
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity in Buffalo, where the Divan family’s contributions touched countless lives. Friends, neighbors, and community organizations are organizing vigils and memorials to celebrate the family’s legacy. The loss has also resonated deeply within the Indian-American community, with many reflecting on the Divans’ dedication to family, faith, and service.
The Divan family has requested privacy during this time of profound grief, with funeral arrangements expected to be held in Buffalo. Details will be shared by the family in the coming days.
**A Sobering Reminder
This devastating loss serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing loved ones. The Divan family’s journey, rooted in faith and togetherness, ended in an unimaginable tragedy that has left two communities in mourning. As investigations continue, the memories of Dr. Kishore Divan, Mrs. Asha Divan, Mr. Shailesh Divan, and Mrs. Gita Divan will endure through the countless lives they touched with their kindness, generosity, and compassion.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their memories be a blessing.
