Hannah Kobayashi, a 31-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been missing in Los Angeles since November 11. Tragically, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found deceased by suicide near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 24. This location is significant, as it is one of the last places Hannah was seen before her disappearance.
Hannah missed her connecting flight from Maui to New York City on November 8 and was captured on surveillance cameras in various locations throughout Los Angeles. She was last reported to be heard from on November 11, leading to immense distress for her family, which deepened following her father’s passing.
Ryan Kobayashi, 58, was discovered in a parking lot close to LAX around 4 a.m. on November 24, with the LAPD confirming his death as a suicide. Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, expressed the family’s sorrow, emphasizing that Ryan was overwhelmed by the lack of information about his daughter’s whereabouts and the emotional toll it took on him. Pidgeon described Ryan as a “compassionate, sensitive man” who was deeply affected by the situation and urged the public to refrain from speculation about his death, clarifying that he suffered from severe stress rather than any foul play.
Pidgeon asserted the importance of continuing the search for Hannah, stating that the family still holds hope for her safe return. The last confirmed sighting of Hannah was at LAX, where she was seen speaking with an American Airlines ticketing agent for an extended period. Later, surveillance footage showed her near the Pico Metro station in downtown LA with an unidentified individual, leading the family to believe that she may have placed her trust in someone who ultimately misled her.
The family has received atypical texts from Hannah, which raised further concerns, as they lacked her usual tone and expressions. Described as loving, kind, and funny, Hannah is characterized by her height of 5 feet 10 inches and brown hair and eyes. The family remains hopeful and focused on finding her, urging the public to prioritize kindness and support during this challenging time.
In summary, while the search for Hannah Kobayashi continues amid this heartbreaking ordeal, her family’s resilience and hope for her recovery remain strong. They are calling for understanding and kindness, emphasizing the need for compassion as they navigate through these dual tragedies. The community’s support may play a vital role in keeping hope alive for Hannah’s return.