Hannah Kobayashi was reported missing in early November 2024, capturing the attention of individuals across the nation and particularly those in Los Angeles. Widely referred to as the “missing Hawaii woman,” her disappearance triggered widespread concern after she failed to catch a connecting flight. Following the tragic death of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, the urgency to locate Hannah intensified, drawing the attention of both the public and law enforcement. As the days went by without news, her family has now come forward with a significant new statement shedding light on her case.

Hollywood Life is diligently covering this developing situation and will provide comprehensive updates regarding Hannah Kobayashi’s case below, as new information becomes available.

Discover the Latest Updates on Hannah Kobayashi’s Whereabouts

Hannah was last seen on November 10, attending a Nike event at the bustling shopping destination known as The Grove in Los Angeles. The RAD Movement, a community organization, later shared surveillance footage via Facebook indicating that Hannah was spotted in downtown Los Angeles, specifically near Pico Boulevard and Hill Street. The footage indicates that she was accompanied by another individual, whose identity remains unknown, leading to further questions about her situation and welfare.

On December 11, 2024, Hannah’s family released a public statement that brought hope, revealing that she had been located and was reported to be “safe.”

“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe,” the family’s statement expressed, which was acquired by Eyewitness News. “This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”

Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding Hannah Kobayashi’s Disappearance

On November 8, Hannah flew from Maui, Hawaii, to Los Angeles, intending to continue her journey to New York City. Unfortunately, she missed her connecting flight, which left her with less than an hour to catch it. After missing the flight, her family reported that Hannah expressed a desire to explore Los Angeles for a brief period, which contributed to her extended stay in the city.

Just two days after her arrival, Hannah was seen at The Grove, a popular shopping area that is located over 10 miles away from Los Angeles International Airport. Following this, her family began receiving strange text messages from her phone, raising alarm bells among her loved ones. Hannah’s aunt, Larie Ingrum, shared on Facebook on November 14 that Hannah’s last message was particularly concerning and alarming.

“She mentioned feeling scared and indicated that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity,” Larie disclosed in her Facebook post. “Since then, we haven’t heard from her, and we are gravely concerned for her safety.” This revelation heightened the urgency and anxiety surrounding Hannah’s situation.

According to reports from NBC News, the RAD Movement’s Facebook group made a significant post about the surveillance footage featuring Hannah in downtown Los Angeles.

“In the footage, it is evident that Hannah does not appear to be in good condition and she is not alone,” the nonprofit organization commented, as reported by the outlet. “Due to the ongoing and active nature of this investigation, we are unable to share any further details at this time. However, there are indications from the video surveillance that suggest Hannah may be in distress.”

On December 2, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced that Kobayashi had been classified as a voluntary missing person. The investigation revealed new video footage showing Hannah crossing the Mexico border alone, which raised further questions.

“We reviewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico,” the police chief stated. She appeared to be alone with her luggage and seemingly unharmed. Up to this point, the investigation has not found any evidence suggesting that Kobayashi is a victim of human trafficking or foul play, which offers a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

The reasons behind Kobayashi’s decision to abandon her original plans to visit family in New York, along with her sudden cessation of communication with many acquaintances since early November, remain unclear and perplexing.

The Heartbreaking Update on Hannah Kobayashi’s Father

On November 24, 2024, the RAD Movement delivered tragic news via Facebook that Hannah’s father, Ryan, had 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 organization shared. “This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably, adding to the weight of their ongoing search for Hannah.”

According to NBC News, the Los Angeles police provided no further details, emphasizing that the investigation into Hannah’s disappearance continues without resolution.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support and assistance.