LOS ANGELES, CA – The father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi was found dead early Sunday near Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said.
Ryan Kobayashi, 58, had traveled to Los Angeles to aid in the search for his daughter, who was reported missing earlier this month. His body was discovered in a parking lot near the airport around 4 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has listed the case as “open,” and no cause of death has been officially released. However, the Kobayashi family, in a statement through a nonprofit assisting with the search for Hannah, said Ryan died by suicide.
“The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today. After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life,” the family said. “This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.”
The family emphasized that Hannah remains missing and urged the public to stay vigilant in the effort to locate her.
Timeline of Hannah’s Disappearance
Hannah Kobayashi, 31, was reported missing on Nov. 12 after failing to board a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport during a trip from Maui to New York on Nov. 8.
Security footage shows Hannah leaving the airport that evening, wearing a black hoodie, tie-dye leggings, and carrying a dark green backpack. She was reportedly seen at The Grove shopping center on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 and posted an Instagram photo from a Nike and LeBron James event there.
Her phone last pinged at LAX on Nov. 11, but she did not board a flight, her family said. Concerns grew when loved ones received unusual messages from her phone that seemed out of character.
“It just didn’t sound like her,” said her sister, Sydni Kobayashi. “Maybe someone did something to her to alter her state of mind because that’s not how she normally speaks.”
Desperate Search
Hannah is described as 5’10”, weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes, and freckles. She has a tattoo of a knife on her forearm. Her family and volunteers have organized searches, distributed flyers, and rallied in high-traffic areas such as Crypto.com Arena.
Ryan, who had been estranged from Hannah, spoke emotionally about his efforts during the search. “I just wish I could have been there more for her. Trying to find her is everything,” he said at a rally last week.
Authorities continue to investigate Hannah’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Kobayashi family is urging the public to help bring Hannah home, even as they grapple with profound personal loss.
