Three Tourists Reported Missing After Driving in Snowstorm from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
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Three family members, Jiyeon Lee, 33, Taehee Kim, 59, and Junghee Kim, 54, have been reported missing after embarking on a trip from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas in a rental car. The trio, originally from South Korea, set out on their journey on March 13 in a 2024 white BMW with California license plate number 9KHN768, as per the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in Flagstaff, Ariz.
According to reports, the family’s last known location was traced via GPS when they were heading westbound on Interstate 40 in Arizona around 3:30 p.m. on March 13. Notably, a major crash involving over 20 vehicles, including several tractor-trailers and 13 passenger vehicles, occurred nearby on the same day. However, authorities have not confirmed if the missing women were involved in this accident.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Jon Paxton raised concerns about the possibility of the GPS potentially rerouting the family onto forest service roads due to harsh weather conditions in northern Arizona. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance have led to an urgent search effort aided by the South Korean consulate in Los Angeles, who are collaborating closely with local authorities to locate the missing individuals.
The family was scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Airport on March 17, but alarm bells were raised when they missed their flight and were out of contact. While it is not uncommon for international visitors to explore the area, the simultaneous disappearance of three family members has sparked notable attention and concern within the community.
The missing persons report was officially filed through the South Korean consulate on March 18, prompting a thorough investigation by local law enforcement agencies. The plea for any information or leads regarding the whereabouts of the three missing tourists has been widely circulated, urging anyone with relevant details to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or 1-800-338-7888, or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
As the search intensifies for Jiyeon Lee, Taehee Kim, and Junghee Kim, authorities remain committed to uncovering any clues that could shed light on their disappearance. The collaborative efforts between international diplomatic channels and local law enforcement underscore the gravity of the situation, with hopes for a safe and swift resolution to this unfolding mystery.