Newly released surveillance footage shows Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer from Maui, purchasing a bus ticket to Mexico at Los Angeles’ Union Station on November 11—the same day she stopped responding to messages from her family and friends.
Captured wearing sweats and carrying a suitcase, Kobayashi was spotted with her passport in hand. Later, she was seen crossing the U.S.-Mexico border near Tijuana on November 12 and 13, just days before her father tragically took his own life.
Police Classify Disappearance as Voluntary
The Los Angeles Police Department announced that Kobayashi appeared to have deliberately missed her connecting flight to New York City from Los Angeles International Airport on November 8. Investigators emphasized there was no evidence of human trafficking or foul play.
“Hannah expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity before leaving Maui,” the LAPD said in a statement, adding they believe she sought a simpler life. Despite this, police have closed their investigation but encouraged her to contact authorities or the American Embassy to confirm her well-being.
Family Pushes Back Against Police Conclusions
Kobayashi’s family disputes the claim that her disappearance was voluntary, warning against “speculative conclusions.” Her sister, Sydni, told NBC News she is frustrated that the family has not been shown the border crossing footage.
“We’re confused and frustrated,” Sydni said, expressing fears that Hannah could be a victim of human trafficking. She argued that her sister’s sudden disconnect, especially following their father’s death, was out of character.
Strange Behavior and Cryptic Messages
The family noted Kobayashi displayed unusual behavior in the days leading up to her disappearance, sending cryptic texts and making strange Venmo payments. In one message, she claimed “Deep Hackers” had wiped her identity and stolen her funds. In another, she said she had been “tricked into giving away all [her] funds.”
The Venmo transactions, one sent to an unknown individual with a bow-and-arrow emoji and another labeled “Reading,” have left her family puzzled. They did not recognize the recipients, and Kobayashi’s phone has been off since November 11.
Community Search Efforts Continue Amid Tensions
Despite LAPD’s conclusion, the family remains committed to finding Kobayashi, deploying volunteers to Mexico to search for her. The family’s GoFundMe campaign raised over $47,000 but has sparked controversy as donors demand refunds following the police’s findings.
The fundraiser, initially launched for search efforts, was later updated to include funeral costs for Kobayashi’s father. A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed the campaign complies with its terms of service.
Search Page Shut Down After Death Threats
Amid mounting public scrutiny, the family shut down a Facebook page dedicated to the search, citing death threats reported to the FBI.
Still, the Kobayashi family insists the search is far from over. “We remain hopeful that Hannah is safe and urge everyone to avoid speculative conclusions,” they said in a statement. As they rally support for continued efforts, the mystery surrounding Hannah Kobayashi’s disappearance deepens.
