Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii, has recently become the focus of a missing persons investigation in Los Angeles. Authorities revealed that she was spotted on surveillance footage crossing into Mexico on November 12, following her missed connecting flight and a notable absence of communication with her family. Her case has now been classified as a “voluntary missing person.”
Kobayashi was en route from Hawaii to New York on November 8 for a new job opportunity and a family visit when she missed her flight from Los Angeles. After telling her family she would spend the night at Los Angeles International Airport, her family later received a cryptic message from her saying she was going sightseeing in the city. Concerns grew after her phone last pinged at LAX on November 11, when she was seen speaking to an airline agent but did not board a flight.
On the day her family last heard from her, Kobayashi sent an alarming text indicating she felt unsafe, saying she was “intercepted” while getting on a Metro train and implied fears of identity theft. Following this communication, her family lost contact with her and reported her missing the next day.
In early December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided CCTV footage showing her entering Mexico alone, carrying luggage. Local law enforcement has stated that there is no evidence to suggest she is a victim of a crime or trafficking, leading them to believe she voluntarily left the country. This notion has been contested by her family, who are still searching for answers.
Kobayashi’s family, who traveled from Hawaii to assist in the search, faced a tragic loss when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, passed away by suicide near LAX two weeks after her disappearance. His unexpected death has added to the family’s grief during this already difficult time. Despite this tragedy, they continue to advocate for Hannah’s safety, with a public Facebook group gathering significant support.
While investigators maintain that the case remains active, they emphasize the importance of checking on mental health and the wellbeing of individuals facing distressing situations.
In light of the anguish experienced by the Kobayashi family, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and mental health awareness. By fostering open conversations and extending help, individuals can strengthen their connections and potentially aid in preventing such tragedies in the future.