The father of a missing woman from Hawaii was found dead in Los Angeles over the weekend, just days after he traveled there to search for his daughter. Ryan Kobayashi was last seen alive while actively seeking information about his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, who vanished on November 11. Hannah, 30, did not board a connecting flight to New York City after a layover at Los Angeles International Airport and has since been reported missing.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Ryan Kobayashi’s body was discovered early Sunday on West Century Boulevard, close to the airport. The medical examiner ruled his death as a suicide. The tragedy has left the Kobayashi family heartbroken and devastated, as they described his passing as a “devastating tragedy” that compounded their suffering in the search for Hannah. Ryan’s sister-in-law shared that he “died of a broken heart” while trying to find his daughter.
Ryan had actively engaged with media, imploring the public for assistance in locating Hannah. He expressed regret about not having been close to her in recent years and was determined to reconnect with her. In their statements, the family emphasized the importance of continuing the search efforts for Hannah, who remains in imminent danger.
Hannah was originally on her way to visit her aunt in upstate New York. After a series of suspicious text messages were sent from her phone—indicating that she did not feel safe and believed someone was attempting to steal her identity—the family raised concerns about her wellbeing. Her last known communication was on November 11, when she indicated that she hadn’t made it to New York and felt threatened.
Family members have received overwhelming support from the community as they continue their search efforts. They expressed gratitude for all actions taken by the public that could assist in bringing Hannah home safely. Surveillance footage has confirmed Hannah was seen near a downtown Metro train station, prompting further concern, as she appeared not to be alone and in distress.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of mental health crises and the importance of community support during challenging times. It also highlights the necessity of staying vigilant in the face of missing persons cases, reinforcing that every effort counts in bringing loved ones back to safety.
Help is always available, and individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health struggles are encouraged to reach out to available resources, such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. by calling or texting 988.
The hope remains that Hannah will be found safe and sound, and that such a tragic loss can lead to increased awareness and support around mental health issues within families and the community at large.