FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — The disappearance of 16-year-old Katie Hong has sent waves of fear and heartbreak across the Fremont community as the search for the missing teenager stretches into its eleventh day. Described as bright, tech-savvy, and deeply loved by her family, Katie was last seen on July 25 after leaving her home on Queens Park Court under circumstances that have alarmed both authorities and loved ones.
Katie left behind a handwritten note, took her computer and monitor, and walked out the door with her red Patagonia backpack. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Timeline of Disappearance
Surveillance footage from July 25 captured Katie walking alone from her home between 6:11 p.m. and 6:21 p.m. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket, grey sweatpants, and carrying the red backpack. Her direction led her southbound toward Irvington Community Park.
Police later recovered her cellphone in the park, cutting off a critical tool that might have helped track her movements. According to investigators, the teenager was seen walking through a nearby gas station just before her phone signal vanished, further confirming her route.
Since that moment, all communication and digital activity tied to Katie has stopped—an unusual occurrence for the teenager, who was known for being consistently active on various online gaming and chat platforms.
A Concerning Online Trail
Katie was heavily involved in online gaming communities and used multiple screen names across popular digital platforms, including private messaging apps. Authorities confirmed that she had been communicating with individuals she met online but had no known physical contact with them before her disappearance.
The note left behind suggested a plan to run away, possibly to meet people she had only interacted with virtually. But since July 25, those digital footprints have gone dark, leaving no clues behind.
Law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to identify those online contacts and trace any leads. Search warrants and digital forensics have yet to uncover the identities of the individuals involved.
Declared At-Risk: A Race Against Time
Katie has been officially classified as an at-risk runaway—a designation reserved for missing minors whose circumstances present heightened safety concerns. This marks her first known attempt to run away, and the silence since her disappearance only deepens fears about her safety.
Authorities have stressed the urgency of the case, citing the teenager’s age, vulnerability, and lack of communication as key indicators that she could be in danger.
A Family’s Unbreakable Determination
Katie’s parents, both deaf, have taken an indefinite leave from work to lead the search for their daughter. The family has also hired private investigators to broaden the reach of the investigation and leave no stone unturned.
Her parents describe Katie as mature, intelligent, and endlessly compassionate. As the oldest child, she played a vital role in helping the family communicate and function in daily life. Her absence has left an emotional void that words cannot fully describe.
The family has launched a verified GoFundMe campaign to support the growing cost of private investigations, search efforts, and outreach. The community response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of people sharing Katie’s photo, distributing flyers, and joining search efforts.
Public Urged to Help
Katie is approximately 5 feet tall, weighing around 100 pounds. She may still be carrying her red backpack and missing computer equipment.
Anyone who has seen her or has any information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the Fremont Police Investigations Unit at 510-790-6900. Tips can also be sent via text message by sending “Tip FremontPD” followed by your message to 888-777. Online tip submissions are also accepted through the department’s website.
The Fremont community continues to rally behind the Hong family, united by a shared hope: to bring Katie home safely.