Disappearance of Amy Hillyard

Amy Hillyard, 52, co-owner of the well-known Bay Area coffee shop chain Farley's Coffee, was reported missing on March 25, 2026, after she did not return to her home in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood of Oakland, California. ^[1] She is a mother of two, a consulting professional who has advised organizations including Apple, Gap, Electronic Arts, and the Marine Mammal Center, and serves as board president of the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir. ^[5]

On the morning of March 25, Amy's husband Chris Hillyard had breakfast with her at home before dropping her off at a transit station on her way to a therapy appointment. ^[4] Amy had been experiencing depression and anxiety following a close friend's death and the loss of a family dog, and had sought professional help. She texted Chris to confirm she had returned home in the afternoon. Surveillance footage from a neighboring home showed her walking the family dog and speaking with a neighbor. ^[4]

The last confirmed sighting of Amy was at approximately 4:30 p.m. on surveillance video at Dimond Park, roughly half a mile from her home. ^[2] When Chris returned home, the back door was open and Amy's belongings — including her car keys, cell phone, wallet, and handbag — were on the kitchen counter. There was no note. ^[4]

The Oakland Police Department classified Amy as an at-risk missing person due to an undisclosed medical condition. ^[3] OPD stated publicly that there was no evidence to suggest foul play, abduction, kidnapping, or any other crime. ^[4] The California Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Alert on March 30, covering Alameda County, San Francisco County, and San Mateo County. ^[5]

On March 29, a candlelight vigil was held at Lake Merritt in Oakland, drawing community members, friends, and family to show support and raise awareness. ^[8] On March 31, a major organized search was conducted at Dimond Park and along the Sausal Creek trail. Approximately 60 members of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office participated, with mutual aid teams from Contra Costa and Marin counties. More than 100 community volunteers combed hiking trails, canvassed neighborhoods, and checked local businesses across Cleveland Heights, Lake Merritt, the Lakeshore District, and Crocker Highlands. ^[5]

Chris Hillyard spoke publicly for the first time on April 8, making an emotional appeal for information and urging Bay Area residents to review home surveillance footage from the afternoon of March 25. ^[6] On the same date, the family announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Amy's safe return. ^[9]

As of April 14, 2026, Amy Hillyard has not been located. The Oakland Police Department's investigation remains active. The family has asked anyone with information to contact OPD's Missing Persons Unit at (510) 238-3641 or visit bringamyhome.com. ^[9]

Note: Amy Hillyard is a missing person. No foul play has been publicly alleged or confirmed by law enforcement. This page is intended solely to raise awareness and aid in the effort to locate her.

Legal Status

As of April 14, 2026, Amy Hillyard is classified as an at-risk missing person by the Oakland Police Department. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with her disappearance. [3] OPD has publicly stated there is no evidence of foul play, abduction, kidnapping, or any other crime. [4]

Jurisdiction

The Oakland Police Department's Missing Persons Unit is the lead investigative agency. The California Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Alert on March 30, 2026, expanding the search area across Alameda, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. [5] The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has provided search and rescue support, with mutual aid from Contra Costa and Marin counties. [5]

The Hillyard family announced a $10,000 reward on April 8, 2026, for information leading to Amy's safe return. [6][9]