A heartbreaking discovery has been made in the search for a missing South Korean family of three who vanished during a U.S. road trip. Authorities have identified a rental car matching theirs at the site of a horrific multi-vehicle pileup during a snowstorm in Arizona. The crash, which involved 22 cars, left several vehicles burned beyond recognition, complicating efforts to identify victims.
The family—Jiyeon Lee (33), her mother Taehee Kim (59), and aunt Junghee Kim (54)—were driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas on March 13 when they disappeared. Their last known location was along Interstate 40 near Flagstaff, Arizona, just minutes before a deadly chain-reaction crash occurred in the same area. A severe winter storm that day caused whiteout conditions, leading to the massive collision. Emergency responders described scenes of twisted metal and fires, with some vehicles so badly damaged that victims could not be immediately identified.
Elizabeth Alden, a Flagstaff resident, may have been one of the last people to see the family alive. She helped them at a gas station in Williams, Arizona, around 9 a.m. on March 13. “They were friendly—just a normal family filling up before their drive,” Alden recalled. “When I heard they were missing, I kept looking at the roadside, hoping to see them. Now, I fear the worst.”
For over a week, authorities, the South Korean Consulate, and the family’s loved ones searched hospitals, morgues, and remote areas, fearing the women may have been caught in the storm or the crash. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a burned-out rental car matching the family’s white BMW was found at the crash site. Forensic teams are now working to determine if the remains inside belong to the missing women. “This is a painstaking process, and we ask for patience as we work to bring answers to the families,” officials stated.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of driving in extreme winter weather, especially in remote areas like northern Arizona. Sudden snowstorms can create deadly road conditions, and GPS navigation sometimes directs drivers onto unsafe routes. Authorities urge travelers to check weather forecasts, avoid risky roads during storms, and always inform someone of their travel plans.
As investigators continue their work, the families of the missing women await confirmation. The South Korean government is providing support, while local officials prepare for the difficult task of notifying next of kin if the worst is confirmed. This remains a developing story, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
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