Authorities confirmed on Friday that Mackenzie “Kenzie” Michalski, a 31-year-old American tourist who had been missing for several days in Hungary, has been found dead. A suspect has been arrested in connection with her murder.
Mackenzie, a nurse practitioner, was last heard from early Tuesday while visiting Budapest. Friends reported her disappearance after she went missing from a local nightclub that night.
Budapest police began investigating the case and identified a man seen with her in various nightclubs. The 37-year-old Irish suspect was arrested and allegedly confessed to the crime, indicating to law enforcement where he had concealed her body. The suspect’s identity has not been released.
Police officials are expected to provide further details at a press briefing on Saturday. Michalski was originally from Fredonia, New York, and had been living in Portland, Oregon.
A friend shared that Michalski had been traveling with a group through Europe and had spent three days in Hungary before they parted ways on Monday. Concern grew when she failed to check out of their shared Airbnb and missed her flight.
Her friend, Gretchen Tower, reported Michalski missing to the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday after not hearing from her. The U.S. State Department confirmed they are aware of the case and are in contact with Hungarian authorities but could not comment further due to privacy considerations.
In a statement issued by her family and friends, they expressed their profound sorrow over the loss, saying, “Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman dedicated to caring for others.” They thanked both U.S. and Hungarian authorities for their swift response and for helping raise awareness about her disappearance.
They concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Michalski’s spirit, saying, “To understand Kenzie’s spirit is to 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.”
Credit: ABC News
