Missing US Nurse Tragically Found Dead After Suspect’s Chilling Confession—Her ‘Happy Place’ Becomes a Scene of Heartbreak

A 37-year-old suspect is in custody for the murder of Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old American tourist from Portland, Oregon, who was killed while vacationing in Budapest. Michalski, a neurosurgery nurse practitioner, was reported missing on November 5 after she was last seen at a nightclub in the heart of the city. Hungarian police initiated a missing person investigation, reviewing security footage that showed Michalski with a man, later identified as the suspect, in several clubs on the night of her disappearance.

The man, identified only by the initials L.T.M., was detained on November 7, questioned, and subsequently confessed to the killing. Authorities reported that Michalski and the suspect had met at a nightclub, danced together, and later went to his rented apartment, where the crime occurred. While the suspect claims the killing was accidental, police stated that further investigation is needed to confirm the exact cause of death.

According to authorities, the suspect attempted to cover up the crime by cleaning the apartment and hiding Michalski’s body in a wardrobe. He then purchased a suitcase, placed her body inside, rented a car, and drove approximately 90 miles to Lake Balaton, where he disposed of the suitcase in a wooded area near Szigliget. He later guided police to the location of the body. Incriminating internet searches found on his device revealed that he had researched body disposal methods, police procedures in missing person cases, and the behavior of wild boars near Lake Balaton, raising further suspicion.

Prior to the suspect’s confession, Michalski’s family and friends launched a widespread search effort, even creating a Facebook group for tips on her whereabouts. Her parents traveled to Hungary to aid in the search but were informed of her tragic death while en route.

At a candlelight vigil held in Budapest on Saturday, Michalski’s father, Bill Michalski, expressed his profound grief, telling the Associated Press, “There was no reason for this to happen. I’m still trying to wrap my arms around what happened… I don’t know that I ever will.” He wore a baseball cap that he said was a gift from his daughter, adding that Budapest had been her “happy place,” a city she found peaceful and enriching.

Michalski’s brother described his sister, known affectionately as “Kenzie,” as someone who loved Portland and had made it her home. She worked at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, where she was remembered as a compassionate caregiver and friend. “Those who worked with her and knew her best say Kenzie was kind and loving—a great friend and a valued caregiver who lived out our Providence mission and values in her daily life,” the medical center shared in a statement.

In the wake of her tragic death, friends and family have raised over $40,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel and funeral expenses, as well as to ensure justice for Kenzie. The donations will assist her family in bringing her home and honoring her memory. The incident has left a deep impact on both her family and the community she served, as they mourn the loss of a young woman known for her kindness and dedication to helping others.