The body of a software engineer who recently relocated to San Francisco for a job at Netflix was found in the San Francisco Bay last week, revealing the cause of his death as a drowning by suicide.
Yohanes Kidane, 22, a recent Cornell University graduate, was discovered in the waters northeast of the Golden Gate Bridge on a Tuesday morning, August 29. A passing boat spotted his remains and alerted the Coast Guard, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Originally from Webster, New York, Kidane was reported missing on August 14. He was last seen departing his San Jose apartment in an Uber. His brother said he had last spoken to Kidane on August 13, and that his sister traced his phone to the area around the Golden Gate Bridge. After that, they couldn’t reach him.
Signs on Kidane’s body indicated advanced decomposition, extended time in water, and notable damage, the sheriff’s office said.
The body lacked any form of identification, making it challenging for investigators.
On Thursday, September 7, the coroner confirmed the remains as Kidane’s and informed his family.
According to the sheriff, the cause of death was a mix of blunt force injuries and drowning, and it was ruled a suicide.
Items belonging to Kidane, such as his wallet, cellphone, and backpack, were located near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center following his disappearance. Images on his device revealed he spent most of the night there before disappearing over the bridge.
Kidane had just completed his second week at Netflix when he went missing.
There were reports of Kidane sharing with friends and family that he had a frightening experience in a rideshare vehicle just two days prior to his last sighting. He mentioned that the driver had taken a detour through Oakland, making him wary of using such services alone.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Kidane’s family and friends raised over $100,000 and established a search team.