Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old native of Fredonia, NY, has been confirmed dead after going missing earlier this week while visiting Budapest as a tourist. Hungarian police reported that Michalski was last seen at a nightclub on Tuesday night.
Authorities arrested a 37-year-old man from Ireland who was reportedly seen with Michalski at several clubs that evening. According to police, the suspect confessed to killing her and led investigators to the location where he had hidden the body.
In a statement released on Friday, Michalski's family confirmed her death and expressed their gratitude to both U.S. and Hungarian authorities for their quick response and diligence in the investigation. They also acknowledged community efforts, both at home and abroad, in raising awareness and contributing to the search for Michalski.
“We would like to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. and Hungarian authorities and local police for their prompt attention, diligence, care, and consideration,” the family stated. “We are deeply appreciative of our Hungarian friends and locals for raising awareness on social media, distributing flyers, offering translation services, and mobilizing a boots-on-the-ground mission to find Kenzie.”
A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place at Barker Commons in Fredonia at 6pm tonight (Saturday, November 9th). Friends and loved ones are encouraged to attend to pay their respects and celebrate her life.
Western New York Woman Killed in Budapest