### American Tourist Found Dead in Hungary; Suspect Arrested

A 31-year-old American tourist, Mackenzie Michalski, who was reported missing from Budapest earlier this week, has been found dead and a suspect has been apprehended in connection with her murder. The tragic discovery and subsequent arrest were announced by Hungarian authorities on Friday.

Michalski, a nurse practitioner from Portland, Oregon, was last heard from early Tuesday. While visiting Budapest, she was reported missing by friends who had been traveling with her. According to Budapest police, she was last seen at a nightclub.

Authorities quickly identified a 37-year-old Irish citizen, referred to only as L.T.M., as a person of interest after he was observed in multiple nightclubs with Michalski. The suspect was arrested and allegedly confessed to killing her. Police claim he led them to the site where he had concealed her body.

During a news conference on Saturday, investigators detailed that Michalski and the suspect had met at a nightclub and visited several venues together before ending up at his rented apartment, where the suspect allegedly murdered her. He then attempted to hide his crime by cleaning the apartment and placing Michalski's body in a wardrobe cabinet. The suspect later acquired a suitcase, rented a car, and transported her body to a woodland area near Szigliget, by Lake Balaton, before returning to Budapest.

Investigators also revealed that the suspect conducted several disturbing internet searches, including queries like "Do pigs really eat dead bodies?" and "Texas woman killed by a wild boar."

Michalski’s friends and family have expressed their profound sorrow in a statement, remembering her as a compassionate and dedicated nurse practitioner who positively impacted the lives of those around her. They praised the joint efforts of U.S. and Hungarian authorities in addressing her disappearance and ensuring swift actions were taken.

"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," her family and friends said in their statement. They also urged everyone to embrace life with joy and kindness, reflecting Michalski’s own zest for life.

The U.S. State Department acknowledged the reports and noted that the U.S. Embassy is in contact with Hungarian police, although they withheld further comments due to privacy considerations.