A flier featuring images of Hannah Kobayashi, who went missing on November 8, has been placed near the Metro station in downtown Los Angeles, where she was last seen. According to the Los Angeles police, investigators discovered that the 30-year-old woman entered Mexico on foot and alone, as confirmed by surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported that the video evidence clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the U.S. border into Mexico, carrying her luggage. After arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Hawaii, Kobayashi missed her connecting flight to New York, where she intended to visit family. Her family grew concerned after receiving cryptic text messages indicating that she felt someone might be trying to steal her money and identity.
McDonnell acknowledged the investigation’s complexities, indicating that video evidence documented her arrival at LAX, where she appeared unharmed. It remains uncertain why she chose not to board her scheduled flight to New York. Authorities found no indications of human trafficking or criminal involvement in her case.
Hannah’s family remains determined to find her and expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s ongoing efforts. They urged everyone to keep the focus on her safe recovery. In a statement, they emphasized that their hope persists, asserting that the search is far from over and their commitment to bringing Hannah home safely is unwavering.
Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah’s sister, pointed out that based on the information shared with them, it seems her sister may not have intentionally missed her flight. Some past social media posts suggest that Hannah may have wished to disconnect from modern technologies, leading investigators to believe she might have left her phone behind.
Chief McDonnell urged Hannah to reach out to her family, law enforcement, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to confirm her safety, respecting her right to privacy while acknowledging the worries of her loved ones.
While the LAPD’s investigation will not extend into Mexico, law enforcement encourages anyone with information about Kobayashi’s whereabouts to come forward. Despite criticism from the family regarding communication from the department, Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton reassured that there had been daily updates and substantial efforts made to locate Hannah.
Family members reported that after missing her flight, Hannah was spotted at local locations in Los Angeles including a bookstore and an event. Tragically, just recently, her father Ryan Kobayashi was found dead near LAX, with authorities indicating his death as an apparent suicide.
This heart-wrenching situation underscores the challenges faced by families of missing persons and the emotional toll such events can take on loved ones. Despite the distressing circumstances, the Kobayashi family’s determination to find Hannah and the cooperation of law enforcement highlight a collective hope that she can still be located and returned to safety. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support and vigilance in such cases, inspiring ongoing efforts to ensure Hannah’s safe return.