San Francisco, CA – August 22, 2023
The search for Yohanes Kidane, a 22-year-old engineer who went missing after taking an Uber to San Francisco on August 14, has escalated with the collection of over $70,000 through a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to finding him. Kidane had recently embarked on a new job at Netflix prior to his disappearance.
Despite extensive efforts by his family, friends, and colleagues, Kidane’s current location remains a mystery. The funds raised from the GoFundMe campaign are intended to provide resources for travel, private investigators, legal assistance, and other essential tools needed to intensify the search.
The unsettling events leading up to Kidane’s vanishing involve an uncomfortable rideshare experience. Following a peculiar ride with an Uber driver who insisted on an unconventional route, Kidane expressed unease about ridesharing alone.
Security footage captured Kidane leaving his downtown San Jose apartment, dressed in a black hoodie and sweatpants, as he entered a vehicle displaying an Uber sticker.
Kidane, a recent graduate of Cornell University, had only relocated to the Bay Area in July to commence his role as a software engineer at Netflix.
Records from the night of August 14 indicated Kidane’s phone was near the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the following morning, his personal belongings were discovered near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco.
Authorities from the San Jose Police Department reported that their investigation has uncovered no evidence suggesting criminal activity. They assure Kidane’s family that the case will remain open until he is located.
Efforts to trace Kidane’s whereabouts continue and individuals with any information are urged to contact the San Jose Police Department at (408) 277-8900, referencing case number 23-277-0531. As the community rallies together, the hope for Kidane’s safe return remains steadfast.
