The frantic search for missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi took a devastating turn on Sunday after her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead near LAX. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a death at 6151 W. Century Boulevard around 4 a.m.
Ryan, 58, made a trip to Los Angeles earlier this month to help search for his 31-year-old daughter, who disappeared on November 8 after missing a connecting flight at LAX. The last confirmed sighting of her was near the Pico Metro Station on November 11.
Ryan was the foundation of his family’s attempts to find Hannah. Last week, he pleaded with the nation through a public plea to bring her back. “I miss her,” he said in an interview filled with emotion. “I want her to know that and reach out – anything.”
A nonprofit organization supporting the family, the RAD Movement, released a statement confirming Ryan’s death as “a tragic loss. After 13 days of futilely searching for his daughter, Ryan tragically took his own life. This horrible tragedy compounds the suffering suffered by the family.”
Hannah Kobayashi is still missing and is believed to be in grave danger. The family describes her as 5’10”, 140 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin with freckles. On the day of her disappearance, she was last seen wearing black leggings, a tie-dye sweatshirt, and a green backpack.
Hannah’s aunt, Laurie Pidgeon, said that before her disappearance, Hannah had sent messages that were troubling in nature, warning of identity theft and feelings of being unsafe.
The Kobayashi family continued urging the public to focus on finding Hannah. Anyone with information should call the Los Angeles Police Department immediately. This tragic case is receiving much attention, and friends, family, and supporters alike gather for vigils and rallies to keep Hannah’s name on everyone’s lips.
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