British Tourist Vanishes After U.S. Trip to Meet Man

A 21-year-old British tourist is missing in California after traveling to the United States to meet a man. Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood flew alone to San Francisco on March 31. Her itinerary included a stay at a local hostel and visits to Sacramento, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and Santa Cruz.

Her family lost contact with her on April 3. They later discovered she never checked into her intended accommodation, prompting them to file a missing persons report. Authorities reviewing airport security footage saw Kerwood being met upon arrival by a man holding flowers. Police believe he is an American named David, whom she initially met in the UK.

Kerwood was scheduled to board a return flight to London on April 8. She did not appear for that flight. Law enforcement continues to search for her, and her family is pleading for any information regarding her whereabouts.

The case highlights the potential dangers of international travel to meet individuals known primarily online. Investigators are treating her disappearance as a priority.