In Southern California, loved ones are asking for the public's help locating a man who went missing last week.
32-year-old Richard Im was last seen late New Year's Day at his home in San Gabriel. According to his family, he uncharacteristically hugged his family members before going to bed, then abruptly left in the middle of the night without a phone, money, identification, additional clothes or personal belongings.
He is described as Asian, 5'3", 125lbs., with a skinny build, mustache, beard and dark hair in a bun. He was wearing a white t-shirt, white pants, brown sandals, and a long dark grey zip hoodie. He is described as soft spoken, and likes meditation and walking.
The following information was posted to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs):
"Circumstances of Disappearance: Richard Im went missing from his mother's home sometime between 11:00 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2020 and the early morning of Jan. 2, 2020. He uncharacteristically hugged all family members present in the home before he went to sleep on Jan. 1. He left a goodbye note and money for his mother. He did not take his cell phone, nor wallet containing his ID, bank cards, and money with him. He did not take additional clothes. Family looked at his web browser history and saw that he had made donations to various charities in the days before he left. He has also talked about going off to live in the mountains/forest. Family believes he is what the Japanese call a "hikikomori," a person who becomes a hermit/shut-in after experiencing traumatic event(s). He recently walked over 6 miles from his mother's home to Eaton Canyon to meditate for most of the day. Family suspects he may have gone there or a similar place, off the grid."
If you're willing to help spread the word, here are some digital assets:
Anyone with information about Richard's whereabouts is asked to contact the San Gabriel Police Department at 626-308-2828 (Report No. 2020-00025).
