Hannah Kobayashi, a 31-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been missing since November 11 in Los Angeles, a situation that took a heartbreaking turn with the recent death of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, who died by suicide near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 24.
Hannah missed her connecting flight from Maui to New York City on November 8, and her family’s search for her has been filled with anguish. Surveillance footage captured her in various locations around Los Angeles, with the last confirmed sighting on November 11. Ryan Kobayashi was found in a parking lot close to LAX around 4 a.m. and his family confirmed his death by suicide, attributing it to the overwhelming sorrow of his daughter’s disappearance.
Larie Pidgeon, Hannah’s aunt, described Ryan as a compassionate man who struggled deeply with the uncertainty surrounding his daughter’s whereabouts. He had traveled to California with several family members to search for Hannah and worked with local volunteers to raise awareness.
Pidgeon emphasized that the family does not need speculation but rather support during this tragic time. She encouraged the public to treat the family with kindness and to focus on the ongoing search for Hannah rather than speculating about their ordeal.
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating Hannah’s disappearance. She was last seen at LAX and later in the vicinity of the Pico Metro station, accompanied by an unidentified person whom her family believes may have misled her. Additionally, the family received unusual text messages from Hannah, raising concerns about her state of mind at the time.
Hannah is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds with brown hair and eyes, fair skin, and freckles. Pidgeon expressed hope that Hannah is still alive and believes in the possibility of bringing her home, stating, “We just want to keep the focus on finding her, and we still believe that she’s alive.”
In the face of such tragedy, the Kobayashi family’s resilience and commitment to finding Hannah is an inspirational reminder of the strength that can emerge in difficult times. With the continued support of the community, there remains hope for a positive resolution.
This case serves as a significant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the support systems needed during such critical times. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available to help.