Last week, we reported on the strange and tragic disappearance of Hawaii native Hannah Kobayashi. The 30-year-old was traveling from Haiku, Maui, to New York City to visit family. But she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles, and no one’s heard from her since.
After receiving a series of strange texts from her number, her family lost contact with her altogether. Several family members, including Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled from Hawaii to California looking for her. Now, in an equally tragic and bizarre turn of events, Hannah’s father has been found dead.
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Ryan's body was found near LAX.
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, two weeks after his daughter’s initial disappearance, Ryan Kobayashi reportedly died in a parking lot near LAX, People reports. He was 58 years old. The death, which has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical examiner, does not list a cause at this time. The case is still open.
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A nonprofit working with the family to find Hannah did provide a cause of death.
While the LAPD has yet to release any details, a nonprofit organization that is helping in the search for Hannah, has released a statement on behalf of the family, KTLA reports. “The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today,” wrote the RAD Movement. “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.”
A relative said Ryan had been living his 'absolute worst nightmare' since Hannah disappeared.
A friend launched a GoFundMe to support Ryan’s fiancée Li Jaena. Emi Ko, the organizer of the fundraiser, offered these words about the deceased: “Ryan was my uncle — a truly remarkable person who lit up every room with his positivity and kind heart,” Ko began. “He has been living his absolute worst nightmare, since Hannah’s disappearance, and now, with his passing, our family is grappling with unimaginable grief. Ryan’s love for his family was boundless, and he would do anything to protect and care for his daughters.”
Hannah's ex-boyfriend was also on the flight.
Hannah is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds and has brown hair and eyes, with fair skin and freckles. Hannah had reportedly traveled with her ex-boyfriend from Hawaii to LAX, her family told HawaiiNewsNow. The two booked the trip before they broke up.
The ex, who has reportedly been extremely responsive and cooperative with the investigation, said they did not sit together and did not have contact during the flight. He made his connecting flight to New York. Meanwhile, after missing her flight, Hannah attended a LeBron James event at The Grove in Los Angeles.
Afterward, her family started receiving odd texts from her. “She mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity,” her aunt said. “Strange, cryptic messages — things about the matrix, it was so unlike her. And then all of a sudden, no more communication.”
RAD Movement is asking the public to focus on finding Hannah.
The RAD Movement is asking people to focus their attention on finding Hannah. They are requesting that volunteers refrain from contacting the family so that they may grieve in peace.
“The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family’s pillar and navigating next steps,” said the nonprofit.
According to the family’s wishes, all information, tips, and media inquiries are to be directed to The RAD Movement via text to 619-904-0840 or emailed to [email protected]. The nonprofit advised that if anyone sees Hannah, they should call the police and try to obtain a photo if possible.
