Katie Hong, a 16-year-old girl from Fremont, has gone missing, prompting her family to seek help from the public as they intensify their search for her. Last seen on the evening of July 25 at her home, surveillance footage shows her walking through a gas station before heading towards Irvington Community Park.
In a concerning note she left for her family, Katie expressed a desire to “run away” and possibly meet individuals she had connected with online, known only by their screen names. This has raised significant worries among her family and local authorities, as there are no leads on her whereabouts or the identities of these online contacts.
Katie’s parents, both deaf, have been deeply affected by her disappearance. They have shared that Katie may feel she has disappointed them, a sentiment her father, Sulghi Hong, has addressed, assuring her that they are not disappointed and that everyone makes mistakes. They are now hopeful but anxious, desperately seeking her return.
To aid in their search, the family is considering hiring a private investigator and has set up a GoFundMe page to cover costs for this and other necessary supports. They continue to appeal to the community for assistance, with hopes that someone may have seen or heard from Katie.
Katie is described as 5 feet tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last outfitted in a navy blue zip-up jacket and gray sweatpants, carrying a red Patagonia backpack, which might have contained important items.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Fremont Police Department at 510-790-6800. The need for public support highlights the community’s urgency and desire for Katie to be safely found and returned home.
It’s hopeful to see the family rallying together and reaching out, emphasizing the importance of community in difficult times. Their resilience and commitment exemplify the strength found in supportive networks during crises.