The disappearance of 30-year-old Hawaiian photographer Hannah Kobayashi in Los Angeles has taken a tragic turn with the death of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, who died by suicide while searching for her. Hannah was last seen on November 8, 2024, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where she missed her connecting flight to New York City.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports that Hannah intentionally missed her flight, a claim her family disputes, citing surveillance footage and personal knowledge of her character. They assert that she would not have voluntarily altered her travel plans.
Following her missed flight, Hannah was reportedly seen at a bookstore in The Grove shopping center and attended a Nike event. On November 11, she sent alarming text messages to friends, claiming her identity and funds had been stolen. Her friends found these messages uncharacteristic, noting the absence of her usual emojis, leading to suspicions they may have been coerced or fabricated.
In a devastating development, her father, Ryan, who had traveled from Hawaii to assist in the search, was found dead near LAX on November 24. The family confirmed his death as a suicide, stating, “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life.”
The LAPD continues to investigate Hannah’s disappearance, reviewing surveillance footage and following leads. The family remains hopeful for her safe return and urges anyone with information to come forward.
