Frederic Hiro Yamamoto, 55, was last seen on September 29, 2009, at his Park Lane Townhouses home in Bothell, Washington. Because he lived alone and kept to himself, his absence went unnoticed until the apartment manager contacted family in November after not seeing him for weeks. A missing person report followed.

On October 10, Frederic’s car was found abandoned at O.O. Denny Park in Kirkland and was towed. The vehicle wasn’t linked to a missing person until weeks later; it was searched on November 20 with no signs of foul play. Investigators found an empty bag for an inflatable red and gray kayak in the car, which prompted a theory he may have gone kayaking on Lake Washington. Neither the kayak nor a paddle have been recovered.

A day before he was last seen Frederic paid only one month’s rent instead of his usual three months in advance, prompting questions about possible financial trouble. Born in Japan, raised in Tokyo and a Brooks Institute of Photography graduate, he was described by family as a talented photographer and guitar player. Few concrete leads have emerged. Does anyone have information about Frederic’s activities around late September or sightings near O.O. Denny Park?