In January 2013, a 21 year old Canadian student named Elisa Lam checked into The Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. She was travelling alone, documenting her journey online, and calling her parents every day. Then the calls stopped. Weeks later, her body was discovered in a rooftop water tank above the hotel. Police released surveillance footage of Elisa behaving erratically in a hotel elevator. The video went viral, transforming a missing person investigation into a global obsession. This episode explores how a tragic death turned into a myth and what it reveals about mental illness, internet culture, and how easily a real person can be lost inside a legend.

Support note:

This episode discusses mental illness, suicide, and distressing themes. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

UK & ROI: Samaritans - call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

US: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - call or text 988

Canada: Talk Suicide - call 1-833-456-4566

Australia: Lifeline - 13 11 14

Or visit findahelpline.com for local support worldwide

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If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected].

Paranormia is an Audio Always production.

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