LOS ANGELES, California – The harrowing case of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi has taken another tragic turn with the discovery of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, found dead near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 24. His passing came just over two weeks after his daughter disappeared during her travels from Maui to New York City.
Ryan, 58, was reportedly found early Sunday morning around 4 AM by authorities who responded to reports of someone having fallen from the seventh story of a parking structure near LAX. While the initial investigation suggested it was likely suicide, officials have yet to finalize the cause of death. Family and community members are mourning the loss of someone who had been desperately seeking answers about his daughter’s whereabouts.
"She’s a wonderful person who brings joy to so many people," Ryan told reporters just days before his passing, as he handed out flyers at Crypto.com Arena—close to where Hannah was last seen. His heartfelt plea echoed throughout news cycles: he simply wanted his daughter to reach out.
Hannah Kobayashi, 30, went missing on November 8 after missing her connecting flight at LAX. Her family reported she had planned to visit her aunt Geordan Montalvo and her husband, Bob, for what was meant to be a memorable vacation. Unfortunately, things took a troubling turn when Hannah failed to board her flight and was last seen at various locations, including The Grove shopping center and by Metro stations.
Her last confirmed sighting was on November 11 when surveillance cameras captured her at Pico Station, along with another unidentified individual. The following day, her family started receiving alarming texts from Hannah, expressing feelings of being unsafe. "I think someone’s trying to steal my identity. I’m really scared," she messaged, raising concerns among her loved ones.
Hannah’s enchanting nature was well-known to those around her. Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, described her niece as someone who was loved deeply. Yet, with the messages growing more disconcerting and disheartening, fears escalated about Hannah’s safety. Pidgeon, alongside other family members, took to the streets to raise awareness about her disappearance, urging the public to keep Hannah’s name alive.
Her family’s search efforts ramped up, garnering community support as they joined forces with local organizations, including the RAD Movement, aimed at helping families of missing persons. They have continuously emphasized the importance of community involvement, requesting anyone with information to come forward.
Despite the overwhelming grief following Ryan’s death, his family insists on keeping the focus on finding Hannah. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support the Kobayashi family, noting Ryan’s “truly remarkable” spirit and his role as the family’s pillar during this harrowing time.
The devastating chain of events has left those involved grappling with immense challenges. The RAD Movement, which spoke on behalf of the family, urged the public to rally around them with compassion and support, emphasizing how the trauma from losing both Ryan and Hannah has compounded their suffering immeasurably.
Given the nature of Hannah’s case and Ryan’s passing, authorities are working diligently to piece together this tragic story. Hannah's inquiries for identity theft assistance and her urgent pleas for help portray the urgency of her situation, igniting endless questions about her current status and welfare.
Ryan was not just another concerned father; he represented the anguish of every parent who fears losing their child. The lack of answers about Hannah’s fate has left the Kobayashi family, and the entire community, heartbroken, as they continue to search and seek information.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information related to Hannah’s whereabouts to contact them as the search continues. Hannah is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.
This painful reality serves as not only a desperate search for family members but as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals face, especially during travel. The Kobayashi family's ordeal has struck the very core of community spirit, urging every member of the public to remain vigilant. Until Hannah is found, hope and support will guide their actions.
