The Mysterious Death of Elisa Lam Elisa Lam, a 21-year-old Canadian student, disappeared in January 2013 while staying at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. Her body was discovered weeks later in the hotel's rooftop water tank, leading to widespread speculation, controversy, and cultural intrigue. Background Born on April 30, 1991, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Elisa was the daughter of Hong Kong immigrants. She was a student at the University of British Columbia, though not enrolled at the beginning of 2013. Elisa candidly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder and depression on her blog, detailing her challenges and hospitalizations due to mental health episodes. Summary of Events In January 2013, Elisa embarked on a solo trip across the United States, using Amtrak trains and intercity buses. She checked into the Cecil Hotel on January 28, 2013, and maintained daily contact with her parents. However, communication ceased on January 31. Hotel staff reported seeing her alone th...