In a heartbreaking incident, four senior members of a family from Ahmedabad tragically died in a car accident while traveling on a road trip across the United States. The victims were older people in their eighties and were on their way to a religious destination, travelling in their car, when it plunged into a steep ravine next towards Wheeling and Moundsville in West Virginia when their vehicle unexpectedly swerved off the road. The local community in Gujarat has been shocked with the news of the tragic death, as the victims were well respected and known.

Four members of the Divan family from Ahmedabad

Dr. Kishore Divan (89), his wife Asha (86), Shailesh Divan (87), and Gita Divan (83)—tragically passed away while visiting the ISKCON temple in Marshall County, West Virginia. The family had lived in Ahmedabad for quite some time. According to the news, the whole family was travelling in New York City from Buffalo to see the Prabhupada’s Palace of “Gold ISKCON” Temple. This temple is located in  Marshall County, West Virginia, where the accident happened. The Divans were joined by other family members who are residents of the United States, and the outing was supposed to be a religious excursion and family reunion.

Authorities Find Car with Last Known Mobile Signals

When the family failed to reply to calls made after July 29, relatives worried and reported them missing. A combined search and rescue effort was initiated involving both patrol on land and air surveillance. But because of the dense forest cover and vast ravines, the exercise was arduous.

Ultimately, investigators tracked down the victims using the last known mobile phone signals of the victims. The wrecked vehicle was discovered days later in a ravine, which confirmed the worst fears of the community and family. Local authorities in West Virginia confirmed the proof of identities of the lost following recovery operations and after that formal procedures complated.

The Diwan Family Held in High Esteem Within Ahmedabad’s Satellite Neighborhood

Condolences and Shock of Grief Flow In Both from the US and India

In Ahmedabad, news of the disaster traveled fast through the Satellite neighborhood, where the Divans were popular for their work in the community. Neighbors, friends, and kin made their way to the family home to pay their respects and reminisce. There are numerous Divan family members living in India and the United States, and the family is known to be very close-knit and socially active and religious.

Ahmedabad community leaders described the accident as “deeply sad” and “a great loss for the city”. Local residents remembered, If we talk about Dr. Kishore Divan as a man, then we proudly say that he was such a humble, kind and soft-spoken man. We want to tell you that he is such a great man, ever and always ready to help other people who need help. 

International Travel Goes Awry for the Seniors

The four elder individuals had made this trip for spiritual fulfilment and to spend good time with relatives. For Shailesh and Gita Divan, it was most likely their first experience at the Prabhupada temple, so the tragedy is all that hurtful. Their families were in contact with each other continuously throughout the trip until then communication broke, leading to the search.

The accident brings to the fore the weak points of long road journeys, particularly for the elderly, and underscores the need for precautions and emergency preparedness when traveling overseas. The Divan family is currently in collaboration with US authorities to fulfill the formalities and return their loved ones home for the last rites.

A Painful Loss Leaves a Lasting Impact on Ahmedabad and Beyond

The horrifying accident has brought two cities—India’s Ahmedabad and the little town of Wheeling in West Virginia—together in shared sorrow. This is a grim reminder that how quickly life can turn topsy-turvy and the severe emotional cost it imposes on families and communities across borders. As friends and family grieve the passing of the four elderly members of the Divan family, their love, compassion, and unbroken togetherness will forever remain in the hearts of many.