21-Year-Old British Tourist Reported Missing After Meeting Man at SFO

Katherine Kerwood was last heard from on April 3 during her California sightseeing trip.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single flower petal against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash. The petal's texture and details are sharply in focus, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The mysterious meeting between a missing British tourist and a man carrying flowers at San Francisco International Airport raises unsettling questions.Today in Sacramento

A 21-year-old British woman named Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood has been reported missing after embarking on a solo sightseeing trip in California. Kerwood arrived at San Francisco International Airport on March 31, where security footage allegedly showed her meeting a man carrying flowers. Her family claims they later learned she had met this man previously in the UK, who has been identified only as 'David'. Kerwood told her family she was staying at a hostel in Sacramento, but they say she never checked in. The last time they heard from her was a text message on April 3.

Why it matters

Kerwood's disappearance has raised concerns about the safety of solo travelers, particularly young women, and the potential risks of meeting strangers while on vacation. Her case highlights the importance of maintaining regular communication with loved ones and being cautious when meeting new people, especially in unfamiliar locations.

The details

According to reports, Kerwood had planned a weeklong trip to visit major California tourist destinations like Santa Cruz, Sacramento, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Her family claims security footage from SFO showed her meeting a man carrying flowers, who they later identified as 'David', a person Kerwood had previously met in the UK. Kerwood told her family she was staying at a hostel in Sacramento, but they say she never checked in. The last time they heard from her was a text message on April 3.

  • Kerwood arrived at SFO on March 31.
  • Kerwood last communicated with her family via text on April 3.

The players

Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood

A 21-year-old British citizen who was reported missing during a solo sightseeing trip in California.

David

A man Kerwood had previously met in the UK, who was allegedly seen meeting her at SFO while carrying flowers.

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What they’re saying

“When she messaged, they said, 'Hey, let's get on the phone,' and immediately she didn't respond.”

— Ali Zaidi, Family friend

What’s next

Kerwood's disappearance has been reported to the San Francisco Police Department and UK authorities. The SFPD has entered her information into a statewide law enforcement database, alerting officers across California.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of solo travelers, especially young women, maintaining regular communication with loved ones and being cautious when meeting new people while on vacation in unfamiliar locations. It also raises concerns about the safety of tourists and the need for increased awareness and precautions.