Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer from Hawaii, was declared a “voluntary missing person” after authorities reviewed surveillance footage showing her crossing the U.S.-Mexico border alone with her luggage. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed Monday that Kobayashi appeared unharmed, with no evidence suggesting she was trafficked or a victim of any crime.
How Did Kobayashi Disappear?
Kobayashi was traveling to New York City on November 8 for a new job and to visit family when she missed her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport. She informed her family she had stayed overnight at the airport and later texted them about sightseeing in Los Angeles.
However, on November 11, her family reported her missing after receiving “strange and cryptic” messages, according to her aunt, Larie Pidgeon. After that, Kobayashi’s phone went silent.
Family and friends, along with local volunteers, launched a search across Los Angeles, but authorities later determined she had crossed into Mexico on November 12, the day after her family’s report.
What Do Authorities Say?
According to Chief McDonnell, Kobayashi voluntarily disappeared, reportedly seeking to “step away from modern connectivity.” He stated that while Kobayashi has the right to privacy, he urged her to contact her family or law enforcement to confirm her safety.
The case remains open, though authorities have found no indication of foul play. McDonnell noted that investigators discovered Kobayashi intentionally missed her connecting flight, a claim disputed by her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, on social media.
Mexican authorities have been alerted but have not received any official request to search for Kobayashi.
Challenges in Missing Persons Cases
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant with experience in missing persons cases, explained that investigating adult disappearances is particularly challenging unless evidence of foul play, mental health issues, or legal trouble exists. “If you don’t want to be found, you don’t want to be found,” he said.
While the LAPD’s initial investigation into Kobayashi’s missed flight was appropriate, Giacalone said there is little more they can do now. “We’re not going to go pick her up in Mexico and bring her back. There’s nothing she did wrong.”
A Family’s Double Tragedy
As the search for Hannah continued, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, flew to Los Angeles to assist. Tragically, he died by suicide on November 24 near LAX. The family confirmed his death in a statement, calling it a “devastating tragedy” that compounded their suffering.
“After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life,” the statement read.
The family has since deactivated the “Help Us Find Hannah” Facebook page and has declined further media inquiries. The case remains active, though Kobayashi’s whereabouts and motivations remain uncertain.
