Search Underway for South Korean Family Missing Between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Search Underway for South Korean Family Missing Between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Authorities in Arizona are actively investigating the disappearance of a South Korean family during a road trip that stretched from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. The family, consisting of Jiyeon Lee, 33, Taehee Kim, 59, and Junghee Kim, 54, was last tracked in a rental car on Interstate 40 on March 13, leading to growing concern among their loved ones.

Family’s Unscheduled Return Raises Alarms

The alarm was raised when the family did not return in time for their scheduled flight home. A concerned family member promptly contacted the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles to report their disappearance, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they received the report on March 18, indicating that the family went missing during their journey from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.

Last Known Location Tied to Major Accident

Investigative efforts revealed that the rental vehicle’s last known location aligned with a catastrophic pile-up that occurred on Interstate 40 during a severe winter storm. This incident involved 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger cars, and took place around 3:27 p.m. near milepost 159.5 in Williams, Arizona.

Authorities reported that the winter weather caused treacherous driving conditions, turning the busy interstate into a slick surface covered with ice and snow. The situation escalated when a tractor-trailer jackknifed and obstructed the road entirely, exacerbating the already perilous conditions.

Fatalities and Injuries from the Pile-Up

The massive collision resulted in a fiery scene, with flames engulfing several vehicles. Some of the vehicles burned for more than 20 hours, subjected to extreme temperatures. Among the chaos, 36 drivers and passengers were involved, leading to two tragic fatalities and 16 individuals requiring medical attention.

The victims of this violent accident have been identified as Juan Beltran Sanchez, a resident of Chino Valley, and Evelyn Davis from Ganado, both in Arizona.

Concerns About GPS Rerouting

Authorities with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office expressed concern about the family’s whereabouts, particularly regarding the potential rerouting by the vehicle’s GPS. It was suggested that, due to adverse weather and the significant accident, the GPS may have directed them onto a forest service road with severe conditions.

The sheriff’s office noted that travel in northern Arizona can be unpredictable, particularly when GPS systems lead travelers into less accessible areas without warnings about weather hazards.

Extensive Search Efforts in Progress

In response to the alarming situation, Coconino County deputies have conducted thorough searches along all corridors of Interstate 40, focusing on the vicinity where the family’s rental vehicle last communicated with the GPS system.

Currently, it remains undetermined whether the missing family was involved in the tragic incident that took place on the same day. The sheriff’s office confirmed that it is still unclear if their vehicle was among those caught in the accident.

Public Assistance Requested

The family was traveling in a white 2024 BMW with a California license plate, which has become a crucial detail in the search efforts. Coconino County officials are urging anyone with information regarding the family’s location or the events leading to their disappearance to reach out immediately.

Individuals with tips are encouraged to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111. The report number for the missing persons case is S25-00828.

Community and Authorities Come Together

As the days pass since the family’s last known sighting, community members, along with law enforcement, are committed to uncovering any leads that might lead to their whereabouts. The collaboration between authorities and the Korean Consulate embodies a shared determination to bring the family’s situation to resolution.

This unfortunate case serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel, particularly during adverse weather conditions. As more information surfaces, updates regarding the ongoing search efforts will continue to unfold.