AZ AZ - Jiyeon Lee, 33, Taehee Kim, 59, and Junghee Kim, 54 Missing After Leaving Grand Canyon

[Knox]

According to investigators, the last recorded GPS data from the vehicle was westbound on I-40 just before 3:30 p.m. on March 13, about a mile from where a massive winter weather-related crash happened.

The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of I-40 near Williams and involved about 20 vehicles. The crash resulted in a fire that burned for more than half a day and the deaths of two people.

The sheriff’s office is aware of the crash, but investigators don’t know if the family was involved. A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the agency that investigated the crash, said troopers are still working to identify all the cars involved.

Detectives don’t know if this missing family was part of the fiery pile-up.

“Since the 13th, there has been no phone pings that we’ve seen, no phone calls, no credit card use and that GPS, there’s never been another point on that GPS on that vehicle so that does make it difficult,” Paxton said.

Korean family missing since major winter-related crash on Arizona interstate

Authorities in Arizona are searching for three women who were reportedly traveling on a portion of Interstate 40 around the same time as a massive weather-related crash.

www.wtoc.com

DPS still hasn't identified all the cars involved. Sadly, it would make sense that this poor family were victims in the crash.

 

[priyaya]

According to investigators, the last recorded GPS data from the vehicle was westbound on I-40 just before 3:30 p.m. on March 13, about a mile from where a massive winter weather-related crash happened.

The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of I-40 near Williams and involved about 20 vehicles. The crash resulted in a fire that burned for more than half a day and the deaths of two people.

The sheriff’s office is aware of the crash, but investigators don’t know if the family was involved. A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the agency that investigated the crash, said troopers are still working to identify all the cars involved.

Detectives don’t know if this missing family was part of the fiery pile-up.

“Since the 13th, there has been no phone pings that we’ve seen, no phone calls, no credit card use and that GPS, there’s never been another point on that GPS on that vehicle so that does make it difficult,” Paxton said.

Korean family missing since major winter-related crash on Arizona interstate

Authorities in Arizona are searching for three women who were reportedly traveling on a portion of Interstate 40 around the same time as a massive weather-related crash.

www.wtoc.com

DPS still hasn't identified all the cars involved. Sadly, it would make sense that this poor family were victims in the crash.

Was the fire hot enough to burn all remains?

 

[Knox]

Was the fire hot enough to burn all remains?

Well thank you for asking that question. It doesn't appear there are any more remains waiting to be identified? So please ignore what I posted above - serves me right for not reading back before I gave an opinion.

Victims identified in deadly chain-reaction crash on I-40

Five people who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash along Interstate 40 in northern Arizona last week have been identified.

www.fox10phoenix.com

 

[starlightstarbright]

Photos of the accident itself look absolutely horrific. I suspect that it’s possible that maybe their car was in there somewhere and LE hasn’t figured out what bits of cars belong to which car, but I find it hard to believe there would be no evidence at all of 3 people in a car.

 

[slowpoke]

Well thank you for asking that question. It doesn't appear there are any more remains waiting to be identified? So please ignore what I posted above - serves me right for not reading back before I gave an opinion.

Victims identified in deadly chain-reaction crash on I-40

Five people who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash along Interstate 40 in northern Arizona last week have been identified.

www.fox10phoenix.com

This article is dated today, 3/22, and it says:

“Authorities are still working to identify possible human remains from the crash and “meticulously examine the vehicles and related evidence,” DPS said.”

So, sounds like them being amongst the wreckage is still a possibility? Sadly.

“The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles is working with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office to locate the family of three, CNN affiliate KPNX reported.”

Seems they are from South Korea visiting the US.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/us/south-korean-family-missing-arizona/index.html

 

[ChatteringBirds]

I saw the CNN article just now as well. It does sound like they may have been victims of the crash, still unidentified. I hope their relatives abroad are truly well-supported. Such a tragedy, the storm leading to a massive pileup.

 

[Tower]

I saw the CNN article just now as well. It does sound like they may have been victims of the crash, still unidentified. I hope their relatives abroad are truly well-supported. Such a tragedy, the storm leading to a massive pileup.

It seems nuts to me that authorities would miss 3 bodies for 10 days now and not be able to identify the vehicle either. But the other alternative is turning the wrong way down a forestry road in the snow and dying of hypothermia. Or crashing into the trees without being seen. So very sad for all involved.

 

[GraceG]

Was the fire hot enough to burn all remains?

Unlikely. It would take at least an hour of constant temperature between 670°C and 810°C for the body to break apart. Then you should still have bones left, from which DNA might be extruded. This article (if you can read past the scientific lingo in the abstract, has some interesting information on how DNA from burned remains in a car was used in a murder investigation (taxi driver in Serbia)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187517681530038X

 

[priyaya]

the other alternative is turning the wrong way

I was holding out this was a possibility.

But according to this NYPost Article, who spoke to sheriff's office they've exhausted all possible alternatives

"The sheriff’s office spent three days searching the area, service roads and hospitals and say they have exhausted all leads."

South Korean family disappears on drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Three South Korean women mysteriously disappeared on a road trip from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas on March 13, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said.

nypost.com

they had to be in the car accident, which like you mentioned is crazy to think about

i do find it strange they would put it in the news before identifying the remains, but i guess that takes time and they are trying to find help if they are still alive.

 

[Knox]

Unlikely. It would take at least an hour of constant temperature between 670°C and 810°C for the body to break apart. Then you should still have bones left, from which DNA might be extruded. This article (if you can read past the scientific lingo in the abstract, has some interesting information on how DNA from burned remains in a car was used in a murder investigation (taxi driver in Serbia)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187517681530038X

This video says the fire associated with the accident burned for twelve hours. In total, there were 13 cars, five commercial vehicles. But it sounds like many people were able to exit their vehicles before they caught on fire.

The reporting is a little confusing, no one states how many people were just injured/transported/walked away from thier vehicles.

 

[priyaya]

This video says the fire associated with the accident burned for twelve hours. In total, there were 13 cars, five commercial vehicles. But it sounds like many people were able to exit their vehicles before they caught on fire.

The reporting is a little confusing, no one states how many people were just injured/transported/walked away from thier vehicles.

here is the fire after it was out and what was left.

while chaotic there is enough order to it they could find remains

https://www.instagram.com/azdps/reel/DHMrMK6IUtr/

link via Arizona Department of Public Safety

its not making any sense to me but guess we will wait and see

 

[slowpoke]

The 3 women are a daughter, her mother, and an aunt. They were on vacation from South Korea.

They missed their flight out of San Francisco, CA on Monday (3/17).

The Korean Consulate in Los Angeles notified deputies on Tuesday (3/18).
The last recorded GPS data on their rented car was on 3/13 about a mile from the multi-vehicle crash site going westbound on the I-40.

Investigators have driven the roads in the area, used dogs, and used helicopters but have found nothing.

Korean family missing since major winter-related crash on Arizona interstate

Authorities in Arizona are searching for three women who were reportedly traveling on a portion of Interstate 40 around the same time as a massive weather-related crash.

www.kktv.com

 

[Knox]

here is the fire after it was out and what was left.

while chaotic there is enough order to it they could find remains

https://www.instagram.com/azdps/reel/DHMrMK6IUtr/

link via Arizona Department of Public Safety

its not making any sense to me but guess we will wait and see

Update Regarding Fatal Collision on Interstate 40 in Williams​

- For Immediate Release -

Sunday, March 16, 2025

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.

The collision initially blocked westbound I-40 in an area with guardrails on both sides and included a jackknifed tractor-trailer, which completely obstructed the interstate. Multiple vehicles, including additional tractor-trailers, failed to properly brake or slow down and collided with the blocking vehicles. Multiple passenger vehicles were rear-ended, pushing them into, and in some cases, underneath crashed tractor-trailers.

The collision caused a fire which quickly spread to the other involved vehicles and burned for more than 20 hours. Firefighters, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and tow truck operators worked relentlessly during this time to reduce the fire, provide care, and/or clear the scene.

The collision involved a total of 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles. A total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the incident, including two fatalities, and 16 injured persons were transported for medical care.

The two deceased individuals have been identified as:

• Juan Beltran Sanchez, born 1970, of Chino Valley, AZ
• Evelyn Davis, born 1961, of Ganado, AZ

AZDPS Highway Patrol state troopers and advanced collision investigators assigned to the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating this incident. They were assisted in the investigation by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District. This is an active investigation and will take time to complete due to the number of involved vehicles and people, as well as extensive fire damage.

Damage to the roadway and other infrastructure within the incident area as a result of the collision and subsequent fire is currently being evaluated by ADOT engineers. Questions regarding that process can be directed to the ADOT PIO at [email protected].

The AZDPS would like to thank our many partner agencies for their assistance during this extensive incident. The teamwork displayed during this incident is a testament to the dedication of first responders within our state.

The AZDPS would also like to remind drivers of the importance of reducing their speed and leaving plenty of distance between vehicles when driving in snow and icy conditions. Drivers are encouraged to keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicle, especially when traveling in the snow. The ADOT has provided a list of suggested emergency supplies at www.azdot.gov/knowsnow.

Drivers are encouraged to review current road conditions at www.az511.gov, especially when hazardous weather conditions are expected.

No further details on this incident will be available until the investigation is complete.

Copies of the final incident report can be requested via public records request on the AZDPS public records request portal at psp.azdps.gov.

Update Regarding Fatal Collision on Interstate 40 in Williams | Department of Public Safety

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.

www.azdps.gov

 

[slowpoke]

“The fire from that accident burned so hot for so long that a lot of those cars are unidentifiable,” Paxton said.

South Korean family mysteriously disappears on drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Jiyeon Lee, 33, Taehee Kim, 59, and Junghee Kim, 54, disappeared while driving from the Grand Canyon toward Las Vegas on March 13.

www.latimes.com

 

[Herat]

There probably weren't many other BMW vehicles in the accident. Perhaps there will be some distinctive part or marking or even metalurgical finding that would identify their vehicle, which might be easier than identifying possible human remains.

They likely had more than one cellphone with them, so the chances of the car GPS and all the cell phones failing to be heard from again seems far more consistent with their being in this huge accident than being lost because of GPS re-directions, sadly.

 

[Tower]

I was holding out this was a possibility.

But according to this NYPost Article, who spoke to sheriff's office they've exhausted all possible alternatives

"The sheriff’s office spent three days searching the area, service roads and hospitals and say they have exhausted all leads."

South Korean family disappears on drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Three South Korean women mysteriously disappeared on a road trip from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas on March 13, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said.

nypost.com

they had to be in the car accident, which like you mentioned is crazy to think about

i do find it strange they would put it in the news before identifying the remains, but i guess that takes time and they are trying to find help if they are still alive.

I agree with your post, but they cannot have exhausted all possible alternatives or these ladies would be found. Many, many stories on WS end in a vehicle going off the road and not being visible. If they re-routed onto a side road in a logical manner, LE would have found them. But if they swerved to avoid an accident and shot into the trees or ???

When the roads get bad there, they can have a pocket of particularly heavy snowfall in a small area. They could have gone off the road nearby and not been involved in this exact accident. Really mysterious.

 

[Tower]

There probably weren't many other BMW vehicles in the accident. Perhaps there will be some distinctive part or marking that would identify their vehicle, which might be easier than identifying possible human remains.

They likely had more than one cellphone with them, so the chances of the car GPS and all the cell phones failing to be heard from again seems far more consistent with their being in this huge accident than being lost because of GPS re-directions, sadly

This is so tragic and scary. As soon as authorities found (about 3/18) that 3 people were missing in the area, wouldn’t they rush back to all the damaged vehicles and try to find any evidence that people had been trapped in them? Before releasing missing person information?

This may be the first vehicle accident that burned so hot that no signs of remains could be identified. Likely because of the high heat of an EV fire. It’s certainly the first I’ve ever heard of, if that is the answer to this mystery.

 

[CuriousCricket]

I agree with your post, but they cannot have exhausted all possible alternatives or these ladies would be found. Many, many stories on WS end in a vehicle going off the road and not being visible. If they re-routed onto a side road in a logical manner, LE would have found them. But if they swerved to avoid an accident and shot into the trees or ???

When the roads get bad there, they can have a pocket of particularly heavy snowfall in a small area. They could have gone off the road nearby and not been involved in this exact accident. Really mysterious.

As I understood it, guardrails on both sides would have prevented the scenario of shooting off into the trees. When I looked at the photo, my heart sank as it seemed to me that people could not even cross the median to escape into the other lane.

 

[DS2021]

There were 2 crashes. One on the day they disappeared and one the day after

Update Regarding Fatal Collision on Interstate 40 in Williams | Department of Public Safety

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.

www.azdps.gov

www.fox10phoenix.com/news/victims-identified-deadly-chain-reaction-crash-i-40.amp

 

[Tower]

As I understood it, guardrails on both sides would have prevented the scenario of shooting off into the trees. When I looked at the photo, my heart sank as it seemed to me that people could not even cross the median to escape into the other lane.

Correct, at that exact crash site, going off road is not possible. I believe very near the crash site, there are places without guardrails, where the shoulder does not drop off steeply. I go there frequently, but I’m going by memory.

I was caught in a very bad snowstorm near this crash site years ago. It was sudden and concentrated to a small area because my relatives in a car traveling a short distance ahead had only light snow. We suddenly lost visibility and traction. Very scary.

The highway patrol reported multiple accidents that day, so if these poor missing folks were not in the serious multi-car crash, I could imagine them sliding off the road into the trees nearby due to the same terrible road conditions.

I am only offering that scenario because I can’t believe they aren’t found yet. It does seem most likely they were in the serious crash and are somehow still being missed.