MARSHAL COUNTY, WV — A missing persons case that spanned two states has ended in heartbreak, as Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty confirmed the discovery of four deceased individuals who had been reported missing from Buffalo, New York. The victims were found in a vehicle that had veered off a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in rural West Virginia.

The victims have been identified as:

• Dr. Kishore Divan

• Mrs. Asha Divan

• Mr. Shailesh Divan

• Mrs. Gita Divan

All four were members of a tight-knit family traveling together. According to authorities, their vehicle was located at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, after an intensive search effort. The vehicle had gone off the roadway and down a steep drop in a remote and wooded area—an area not easily visible from the road. The crash site was described as extremely difficult to access.

First responders remained on scene for more than five hours, working through the night in challenging terrain and low light conditions to recover the vehicle and the victims inside. The Marshal County Sheriff’s Office worked in coordination with emergency personnel and forensic investigators to carefully document and process the scene.

In a public statement, Sheriff Dougherty expressed his deep sorrow over the outcome of the search:

“This is a devastating tragedy that no family should have to endure. On behalf of the Marshal County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Divan family and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”

The Divans were reported missing earlier in the week after failing to arrive at their intended destination. Family and friends in Buffalo had grown increasingly concerned after losing all communication with the group, prompting law enforcement agencies in both New York and West Virginia to coordinate in the search effort. That collaboration ultimately led to the grim discovery late Saturday evening.

Authorities have not released details regarding what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Investigators are exploring several possibilities, including mechanical failure, inclement weather, driver fatigue, or loss of control on the steep and winding mountain road. A full crash reconstruction and autopsy are expected to provide more definitive answers in the coming days.

Dr. Kishore Divan, a respected member of the Buffalo medical community, was well known for his decades of service in family medicine. His wife, Asha Divan, was deeply involved in community service and charitable outreach. Shailesh and Gita Divan, extended family members, were equally known for their warmth, hospitality, and community involvement. Their loss is being deeply felt across Buffalo and beyond.

The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues, and neighbors, many of whom have taken to social media to share memories, photos, and messages of condolence. Plans for a joint memorial are reportedly underway, with religious and community leaders in Buffalo offering support to the grieving family.

“This is a loss that goes far beyond just one family,” said a close family friend. “The Divans were a cornerstone of our community. To lose them all at once is almost too much to bear.”

As the Marshal County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, they are urging the public to allow the family time and space to grieve. Further updates and official findings are expected to be released after the conclusion of the ongoing investigative process.

In the meantime, two communities—one in West Virginia, the other in Western New York—are united in sorrow, holding tight to one another in the face of unfathomable tragedy.