UK Tourist, 21, Vanishes During Solo California Trip

San Francisco police search for woman who never checked into Sacramento hostel

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:15am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a lone suitcase handle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the mystery and uncertainty surrounding a solo traveler's disappearance.The disappearance of a young UK tourist during a solo California trip raises concerns about the risks faced by solo travelers.Today in Sacramento

A 21-year-old woman from the UK, Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood, has gone missing during a solo sightseeing trip to California. Kerwood flew into San Francisco International Airport on March 31 for a weeklong trip that was to take her to Sacramento, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, but she never checked into a Sacramento hostel as planned and has not been heard from since contacting relatives on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Kerwood's disappearance has raised concerns about the safety of solo travelers, especially young women, and the potential risks of meeting up with strangers encountered while traveling. Her case highlights the importance of communication, planning, and safety precautions for those embarking on solo trips.

The details

Airport security video shows Kerwood meeting a man with flowers upon arrival, and her family says they later learned she had met this man, referred to as 'David', before in the UK. Kerwood's father reported her disappearance to both San Francisco police and UK authorities, and her information has been entered into a statewide database. She was due to fly back to London on Wednesday.

  • Kerwood flew into San Francisco International Airport on March 31.
  • She contacted relatives on Tuesday after landing, saying she was staying at a Sacramento hostel.
  • Her family later learned she never checked into the Sacramento hostel.
  • Kerwood was due to fly back to London on Wednesday.

The players

Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood

A 21-year-old woman from the UK who went missing during a solo sightseeing trip to California.

David

A man Kerwood had met before in the UK, who was seen meeting her with flowers at the San Francisco airport.

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What they’re saying

“Her family says they subsequently learned she had met the man, referred to as David, before in the UK.”

— Family friend

What’s next

San Francisco police are continuing their search for Kerwood and have entered her information into a statewide database. Her family is also working with UK authorities on the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough planning, communication, and safety precautions for solo travelers, especially young women, to avoid potentially dangerous situations while exploring new destinations.