Father of Missing Hawaii Woman Found Dead in Los Angeles, Police Say

 Father of Missing Hawaii Woman Found Dead in Los Angeles, Police Say

The search for missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi took a tragic turn as her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Ryan, who had traveled to Los Angeles to aid in the search for his daughter, was discovered early Sunday morning near Los Angeles International Airport on West Century Boulevard. His body was found around 4 a.m. in a parking lot.

A Family Devastated by Tragedy

The 58-year-old father’s death, which his family confirmed as a suicide, has left loved ones in profound grief. “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably,” the family said in a statement released through a nonprofit assisting in the search for Hannah.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner has not yet provided an official cause of death, listing the case as open.

The Disappearance of Hannah Kobayashi

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was last seen on November 8 during a layover at Los Angeles International Airport. She had been en route to New York City but never boarded her connecting flight. Her family reported her missing after she failed to make contact.

Since her disappearance, Ryan had been a vocal advocate for his daughter, participating in media interviews and pleading for the public’s help in finding her.

In an emotional interview last week, Ryan spoke about his daughter’s love for art, music, and photography, as well as their estranged relationship. “I wasn’t too close with her growing up. We hadn’t had contact for a while,” he shared. “I’m just trying to make up. I’m trying to get her back. That’s my main focus.”

Call for Continued Vigilance

The Kobayashi family has urged the public not to lose sight of the ongoing search for Hannah. “Hannah IS still actively missing and is believed to be in imminent danger,” their statement emphasized. “It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to locate Hannah.”

Seeking Support in Difficult Times

Editor’s Note: This story includes discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Globally, organizations like the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide offer resources for those in crisis.

The Kobayashi family’s tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the emotional toll that missing persons cases can have on loved ones. The search for Hannah continues, with her family and community rallying together in hope of her safe return.

Family Reports Suspicious Messages in Search for Missing Woman, Hannah Kobayashi

The search for 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, missing since November 11, has uncovered troubling clues, including suspicious text messages and sightings in Los Angeles.

Planned Visit to New York Interrupted

Kobayashi was scheduled to visit her aunt in upstate New York but never boarded her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York City. Her ex-boyfriend, who was on the same itinerary, made the flight, but Kobayashi did not, her sister Sydni Kobayashi told CNN.

A photo obtained by CNN shows Hannah disembarking her flight at Los Angeles International Airport. The next day, she was seen at a Taschen bookstore at The Grove, a shopping mall in Los Angeles, according to her sister.

Later, she made a Venmo payment to two unfamiliar names, further raising questions.

Public Appearances in Los Angeles

On November 10, Kobayashi attended the LeBron XXII Trial Experience, an event at the Nike store at The Grove. A video of her at the event was posted on YouTube, and she also shared a photo on Instagram, her sister said.

Disturbing Messages Raise Alarm

In the days following her missed flight, Kobayashi’s family and friends received a series of concerning texts from her phone.

On November 11, her mother asked via text if she had arrived in New York. Kobayashi responded with a simple "no." She later sent alarming messages to a friend, claiming she didn’t feel safe and that someone was attempting to steal her identity and funds.

”Search Efforts Continue

The LAPD missing persons unit issued a poster about Kobayashi on November 15, stating she was last seen at the Los Angeles airport. They noted her distinguishing features, including freckles on her face and a tattoo on her forearm.

On November 17, her sister Sydni posted an update on Facebook, revealing that the family had obtained surveillance footage showing Hannah near the downtown Metro train station close to Crypto.com Arena.

The footage reportedly shows Kobayashi in poor condition and not alone, although the family has refrained from sharing additional details.

Family Pleads for Answers

Kobayashi’s disappearance has left her family desperate for answers. While they remain hopeful for her safe return, the suspicious activity and messages have heightened their fears. The search continues as authorities and loved ones work tirelessly to uncover what happened to Hannah.

If you have any information about her whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit.