Kent, Washington — A somber chapter closed this week for the family and friends of Eric Mutuma Kithaula, the Kenyan man who vanished in Kent, Washington, in October 2025. After months of frantic searching, the 46-year-old’s body has now been found, bringing an end to a painful uncertainty that gripped loved ones and communities both in the United States and back home in Kenya.
Eric’s disappearance in mid-October had sparked growing concern. He was last seen in Kent, a city south of Seattle, where he had been staying before his sudden disappearance. Loved ones reported him missing soon after they lost contact, and the family launched a wide-ranging search that drew community support, prayer vigils, and countless social media shares.
For more than three months, relatives and volunteers held out hope that Eric might be found safe. His warm personality and kind spirit had made him beloved among friends and the Kenyan diaspora in Washington, and every day without news weighed heavily on their hearts. The missing-person reports described him as about 5-foot-5 inches tall with short black hair, a figure who seemed larger in love than in stature.
That hope came to a tragic end as the new year began. News broke that Eric’s body had been located, though precise details about where and how remain unclear at this time. Local officials and the family have been tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding his death, and investigations remain ongoing.
In a heartfelt announcement, those closest to Eric thanked everyone who had prayed, searched, and shared his story. They urged search efforts to be called off, expressing deep gratitude for the solidarity shown during an unimaginably difficult ordeal. Messages of comfort continue to pour in from around the world, as people struggle to reconcile the loss.
Eric’s loved ones remember him not just as someone they lost, but as a son, friend, and brother whose absence leaves a profound void. Stories shared online praised his warmth and generosity, painting a picture of a man whose presence brightened the lives of those around him.
As the family begins the painful process of mourning and planning final rites, the broader community continues to hold them in their thoughts. This tragedy marks a heartbreaking end to a long search, and for many, a reminder of the fragility of life far from home.
