Budapest, Hungary — A 31-year-old American tourist, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Michalski, who had been missing for several days in Hungary, has been found dead, authorities confirmed Friday. A suspect, a 37-year-old Irish citizen, has been arrested in connection with her murder.
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Michalski, a nurse practitioner from Portland, Oregon, was last heard from early Tuesday while visiting Budapest. Friends, concerned by her sudden disappearance, shared posts on social media to help locate her.
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Budapest police reported that Michalski went missing while at a nightclub on Tuesday. Amid their investigation, authorities identified a man she was seen with at multiple nightclubs.
The suspect, identified only by the initials L.T.M., allegedly confessed to the murder and guided police to the location of Michalski’s body. According to police, the suspect, “a couple of years the victim’s senior,” met Michalski at a nightclub. They reportedly spent the night together, visiting various venues, before going to the suspect’s rented apartment, where authorities say he allegedly killed her.
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Attempted Cover-up Allegations
Investigators provided further details in a press conference Saturday. Following the alleged murder, the suspect reportedly tried to hide his actions. Police say he cleaned his apartment, hid Michalski’s body in a wardrobe, and went out to purchase a suitcase. He then allegedly placed her body in the suitcase, rented a car, and drove to Lake Balaton, where he reportedly concealed her remains in a wooded area near Szigliget before returning to Budapest.
Police also uncovered internet searches made by the suspect, including phrases like “Do pigs really eat dead bodies?” and “Texas woman killed by a wild boar,” raising further suspicion.
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A Tragic End to a European Trip
Originally from Fredonia, New York, Michalski had been traveling through Europe with friends. Gretchen Tower, a friend, told media that the group spent three days in Hungary before she and other friends departed on Monday. Michalski planned to stay an additional night in Budapest before flying home on Tuesday. When Michalski missed her flight and failed to check out of their Airbnb, her friends grew worried.
After unsuccessful attempts to contact her, Tower reported Michalski’s disappearance to the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday. The U.S. State Department later confirmed it was aware of the arrest and in contact with Hungarian authorities but offered no additional comments, citing privacy concerns.
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Family and Friends Mourn
On Friday, Michalski’s family and friends issued a statement confirming her death and remembering her as a compassionate individual dedicated to helping others. “Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman who dedicated herself to caring for others and making the world a better place,” they wrote. “As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.”
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Her family expressed gratitude to U.S. and Hungarian authorities and to those who helped raise awareness about her disappearance.
“We are thankful that Kenzie’s soul is now at peace,” the statement concluded. “Her memory and legacy will endure in the hearts of all whom she’s touched. To understand Kenzie’s spirit is to wholeheartedly embrace the vast joy and wonder of life. Her wish for the world: fully embrace the present moment, be your authentic self, practice kindness, and always walk in the light.”
