LOS ANGELES, CA – The family of Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman who disappeared after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport last month, has expressed frustration with the investigation, saying they feel “left in the dark” after learning from authorities that she voluntarily crossed into Mexico weeks ago.
Kobayashi’s sister, Sydni Kobayashi, told local media that the family was informed only on Monday that surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed her walking alone with luggage into Mexico at the San Ysidro crossing on Nov. 12.
“For them to tell us that they have been keeping us informed throughout the entire time, that’s absolutely inaccurate,” Sydni said. “We feel like we’re left in the dark, and that was kind of like a huge slap in the face for us.”
On Monday, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that the case had been reclassified as a “voluntary missing person,” emphasizing that there was no evidence of trafficking or foul play. He explained that Kobayashi appeared to have deliberately disconnected, citing her past statements expressing a desire to step away from modern technology.
“She has left the country and is in another nation now,” McDonnell said, adding that the case remains active until her safety is confirmed.
Despite these assurances, Kobayashi’s family remains concerned for her well-being and has hired a private investigator and attorney. “They say that they’ve seen her alone, but that doesn’t discount the fact that someone could be watching her from afar,” Sydni said, expressing fears that her sister may still be in danger.
Kobayashi’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, acknowledged the LAPD’s efforts but called for greater transparency. “I have not seen the footage myself, but I trust the LAPD has done their due diligence to confirm it was her,” she said. “I want to thank the LAPD for their hard work… but we need to see this new piece of the puzzle for ourselves.”
Kobayashi was first reported missing on Nov. 12, days after she failed to board a connecting flight from Maui to New York at LAX on Nov. 8. Her phone last pinged at the airport on Nov. 11, and she was seen speaking with an American Airlines ticket agent but did not board a flight.
The family said Kobayashi was later seen at various locations in Los Angeles, including The Grove shopping center and a Nike event, before taking a bus from Union Station to the San Ysidro border crossing.
McDonnell urged Kobayashi to contact her family or authorities to confirm her safety. “She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her,” he said.
Sydni, still grappling with her sister’s disappearance, made an emotional plea. “If she is watching this… I love you, Hannah. I miss you so much. Don’t be scared. If there’s something you can do to let us know you’re okay, do that.”
The family has vowed to continue searching for Kobayashi until they receive direct confirmation of her well-being. “We don’t want her to just become another missing person,” Sydni said.
