Elisa Lam was a 21-year-old student from Vancouver who captured the Internet’s attention under tragic and haunting circumstances. In 2013, she vanished while staying at the Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Elisa Lam-undated photo

Her body was later discovered in a rooftop water tank after hotel guests complained about water pressure and taste. What followed was a media storm, a viral video, and countless conspiracy theories.

Photo Credit: Medium

But somewhere along the way, Elisa herself-the person-got lost in the noise.

Today, I want to talk about Elisa. Not just the mystery, but the girl behind the headlines.

She Was More Than a Case:

Elisa was thoughtful, introspective, and loved to write. Her tumblr blog reveals a poetic soul who wrestled openly with her mental health. She spoke about her bipolar disorder with vulnerability and courage.

She had fears. Dreams. A sense of humor. A yearning for connection.

“Depression sucks. Period. If someone says to you that they have depression don’t ask why. There is no why. Tell them every day you love them. Remind them every day it will get better.”

Elisa Lam. Photo Credit: Medium

She was someone who took a solo trip to California to explore, live, to see the world. That alone speaks volumes about her spirit.

The Official Story vs. The Weight It Left Behind:

The Los Angeles County coroner ultimately ruled her death an accidental drowning, citing her bipolar disorder as a contributing factor. Authorities found no signs of physical trauma, sexual assault, or foul play.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

And yet.. many still felt unsettled.

Her behavior in the elevator footage- the last time she was seen alive- sparked endless speculation. Paranormal theories. Online sleuths. A Netflix documentary. But closure? That’s been even harder to come by.

There were poor safety measures at the Cecil Hotel. Additionally, society’s failings in stigmatizing mental illness, Something about her story just doesn’t sit right.

Even if the facts point to an accident, the feeling of it still lingers.

The Truth That Matters Most:

In the end, this isn’t just a cautionary tale or an eerie unsolved case. It’s a human one. Elisa Lam was not a character in a horror story.

She was a daughter. A friend. A young woman doing her best.

And she was funny, too-charmingly blunt in the way only the most authentic people are:

“My main faults are that I talk too much, I have a naturally loud voice and I have no filter.”

her self-awareness didn’t hide behind walls. She named her struggles but didn’t let them define her:

“I’m not a professional depressed person. I am so much more than that and these people are my reminders that I am very lucky.”

So I won’t sensationalize her here.

I want her to be remembered for her words. Her honesty and bravery should also be recalled. She carried a light, even in the darkest of moments.

May She Rest In Peace:

Elisa’s story gives me chills to this day. I ache for the world to be better for people with mental illness. I also hope for improvement for young women traveling alone. It is important for those who cry out not to be met with silence as a spectacle.

I don’t know if she ever found peace in this world.

But I truly hope wherever she is now, she knows that she mattered.

Rest In Peace, Elisa. ❤ you will always be remembered.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out. You are not alone. You are never too far gone to be loved, helped, or held.

❤ Luna