Four grandparents from Buffalo, New York, were discovered deceased after their vehicle crashed in West Virginia on August 2, 2025. Their car had veered off a steep hill.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Dr. Kishore Divan, 89, Asha Divan, 85, Shailesh Divan, 86, and Gita Divan, 84. Their green Toyota Camry was found at 9:30 p.m., having plunged down a sharp embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Emergency personnel were on the scene for more than five hours, according to Sheriff Mike Dougherty. The group was traveling from Buffalo to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a Hindu temple in Moundsville, West Virginia, but did not reach their intended destination.
The family was last seen on Tuesday, July 29, at a Burger King on Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. Surveillance footage documented their meal there, and it was their final credit card transaction. Later that day, a Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader detected their car heading south on Interstate 79.
They had reservations at the Palace of Gold for July 29-30 but never arrived. Concerned relatives reported them missing to Buffalo authorities after unsuccessful attempts to reach them by phone.
Dr. Kishore Divan and Asha resided in East Amherst, New York. Shailesh and Gita, who were visiting from India, were Kishore’s brother and sister-in-law. The accident happened approximately five miles from where they planned to stay.
Dr. Divan, a retired physician, had worked at Kaleida Health and played a key role in founding the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York and the India Association of Buffalo.
Community members expressed shock at the incident. Lavanya Dokania, president of the India Association of Buffalo, described Dr. Divan as “supportive and humble,” noting his assistance to many students and families during challenging times. She said she consistently relied on him.
The search for the missing grandparents involved law enforcement from multiple states. Marshall County officers worked with New York authorities and attempted phone tracking to locate them. Early Wednesday morning, phone signals were detected in Moundsville and Wheeling, West Virginia, but communication then ceased.
The breakthrough came when motorists observed a damaged street sign and car debris on Big Wheeling Creek Road, leading officers to discover the accident site where all four were found dead.
Dr. Vinod Chahal, president of the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Dr. Divan was a founding member who had significantly contributed to the organization over the years.
Dinesh Sukumaran, secretary of the Hindu Cultural Society, described the loss as a “void that cannot be filled.” He highlighted Dr. Divan’s work with his wife in constructing their temple.
The Hindu Cultural Society issued a statement recognizing the Divan family’s critical role in the Indian community in Western New York. Dr. Divan’s community service was described as extensive and long-standing.
Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, where the family was headed, commented on the accident. Temple officials noted the area’s challenging driving conditions, particularly for those unfamiliar with local roads. They provide detailed travel instructions and caution against relying solely on GPS systems.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, considering factors such as mechanical failure, driver disorientation, or road obstacles. The deceased have been sent to a medical examiner for further analysis.
West Virginia roads are known for winding through mountains and having steep drops, presenting challenges for drivers not familiar with the region.
Kaleida Health, Dr. Divan’s former employer, released a statement acknowledging his past service. The organization offered condolences to his family during this difficult time.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve. Memorial services are expected to take place in Buffalo, with details to be announced.
