Hannah Kobayashi, a 31-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been missing in Los Angeles since November 11. Her disappearance took a tragic turn when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead by suicide near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 24.
Hannah was last seen on surveillance footage at LAX after she missed a connecting flight from Maui to New York City on November 8. She was captured on camera in various locations around Los Angeles but had not been heard from since November 11. The distress experienced by her family escalated with her father’s passing, deepening their anguish at an already difficult time. Ryan was discovered in a parking lot about 4 a.m. at LAX, and the family later confirmed through social media that he had died by suicide.
Ryan’s sister-in-law, Larie Pidgeon, expressed that the emotional toll of Hannah’s disappearance weighed heavily on him. “He just died of a broken heart,” she said, emphasizing the impact of not knowing Hannah’s whereabouts and the anxiety that accompanied it. Pidgeon characterized Ryan as a compassionate individual who went to great lengths to find his daughter, even partnering with volunteer groups to raise awareness of her case.
In the wake of this tragedy, Pidgeon implored the public for support and urged people to refrain from unfounded speculation regarding Ryan’s death. She highlighted the family’s desperate need for kindness during this painful time, emphasizing the importance of continuing the search for Hannah.
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating Hannah’s case. There are reports that she was seen with an unidentified individual near the Pico Metro station in downtown Los Angeles shortly after being at LAX. Pidgeon believes that Hannah may have trusted the wrong person. The family has also received texts from Hannah that seemed out of character for her, lacking her usual cheerful touch.
Hannah is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, and fair skin with freckles. Pidgeon described her niece as loving, kind, and funny, reiterating the family’s hope for Hannah’s safe return.
In this challenging period, it’s encouraging to see the family’s resilience and their unwavering hope for Hannah. They continue to seek support from the community and raise awareness for her safe return, demonstrating the strength of love and unity in the face of adversity.