Three missing Korean tourists may be victims in fatal Arizona pileup

Human remains believed to belong to three missing Korean tourists have been recovered from the site of a massive multi-vehicle collision in Arizona. Authorities are currently working to confirm their identities.

The three women—Taehee Kim (59), her daughter Jiyeon Lee (23), and her sister Junghee Kim (54)—were last heard from on March 13 while traveling from the Grand Canyon area to Las Vegas. They were scheduled to return to Korea on March 17, but after failing to make contact, their families in South Korea alerted South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, prompting an investigation.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the case, reported that the last known GPS location of the group’s rental car was recorded at 3:27 p.m. on March 13 along the westbound I-40 freeway in Arizona.

On that same day, a severe snowstorm caused a 22-vehicle pileup in the area, resulting in at least two deaths, 16 injuries, and a large fire that completely burned several vehicles, making identification extremely difficult.

Authorities later confirmed that a BMW SUV, the same model as the rental car used by the missing group, was among the vehicles involved in the crash. Partial human remains were also recovered from inside the vehicle. However, due to the extent of the fire damage and the limited remains, officials stated that positive identification may take time.

The remains are currently undergoing forensic examination at the Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office. It has yet to be confirmed whether the remains are those of the missing Korean family.

There has also been criticism of the initial handling of the incident. Some argue that if the presence of the BMW SUV had been confirmed earlier—rather than more than 10 days after the crash—identification and analysis might have proceeded more swiftly.

Weather can be a silent killer. Many people associate Arizona with dry desert heat, but winter brings snowstorms, sudden temperature drops, and treacherous driving conditions—especially in the high-altitude regions near the Grand Canyon.

Tour guides familiar with the area emphasize the need for extreme caution, especially on routes like I-40, which—despite being the main thoroughfare—is notoriously dangerous in bad weather.

This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to travelers everywhere: don’t let beautiful destinations lull you into a false sense of security. Always check the weather. Plan your routes with care. Know the terrain, and never underestimate nature’s unpredictability.

To the families of the missing women, we extend our deepest condolences—and hope that clarity and peace will come swiftly.

By Mooyoung Lee [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]