On March 13, 2025, a family of three—Jiyeon Lee (23), Taehee Kim (69), and Junghee Kim (64)—went missing after departing from Grand Canyon National Park en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. Their disappearance coincided with a severe winter storm that affected northern Arizona, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Yahoo+6People.com+6SFGATE+6Sacramento Bee
Details of the Disappearance
The family was traveling in a rented white 2024 BMW bearing California license plate 9KHN768. GPS data from the vehicle indicated that it was last recorded traveling westbound on Interstate 40 (I-40) near Williams, Arizona, at approximately 3:27 p.m. on March 13. ABC News+5CBS News+5Yahoo+5CBS News+4SFGATE+4Sacramento Bee+4
Severe Weather Conditions and Multi-Vehicle Accident
On the same day, a significant winter storm impacted the region, resulting in whiteout conditions, heavy snowfall, and icy roads. These treacherous conditions led to a multi-vehicle collision on westbound I-40 near Williams at around 3:30 p.m. The accident involved 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger cars and 9 commercial trucks, resulting in two fatalities and 16 injuries. The deceased were identified as Juan Beltran Sanchez, 55, of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Evelyn Davis, 64, of Ganado, Arizona. Sacramento BeeABC News+5SFGATE+5Sacramento Bee+5SFGATE+2Yahoo+2CBS News+2
Investigation and Search Efforts
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the family’s disappearance. Authorities are exploring the possibility that the family may have been involved in the multi-vehicle accident or attempted to navigate around it, potentially leading them into less accessible areas. Search efforts have been complicated by the severe weather conditions and the extensive area to be covered. Yahoo+6SFGATE+6ABC News+6
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities have issued a public appeal for any information regarding the family’s whereabouts. Individuals who may have seen the family or their vehicle are urged to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The case has garnered national attention, with multiple news outlets reporting on the ongoing search and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. ABC News+2SFGATE+2Yahoo+2
Context of Recent Disappearances in the Area
This incident is part of a concerning pattern of disappearances in and around Grand Canyon National Park. In December 2024, 66-year-old Martha Anne Overholser from Michigan was reported missing after being last seen at Mather Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Despite extensive search efforts, she has not been found. AP News+1New York Post+1
Safety Recommendations for Travelers
The recent incidents underscore the importance of safety precautions when traveling in areas prone to severe weather. Travelers are advised to monitor weather forecasts closely, avoid travel during hazardous conditions, inform others of their travel plans, and equip their vehicles with emergency supplies. Authorities emphasize the need for heightened awareness and preparedness to prevent such tragedies.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies, is committed to exhausting all efforts to locate the missing family and bring them to safety.
