Los Angeles, CA – A desperate search for a young woman who disappeared after arriving in Los Angeles has ended in profound tragedy for her family, with her brother reportedly taking his own life after days spent searching for her in the city.
Ryan Kobayashi tragically took his own life after searching Los Angeles for 13 days for his sister, Hannah Kobayashi, according to statements released by the family. The family’s grief was underscored by a quote attributed to Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, who reportedly said Ryan “died of a broken heart.”
The Disappearance
The events leading to Hannah Kobayashi’s disappearance began on November 8, 2024, when she flew from Maui, Hawaii, to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Her travel plans included a connecting flight to New York City. According to reports, she was on the same itinerary as her ex-boyfriend, who proceeded to take the connecting flight as planned.
Surveillance footage captured Hannah leaving her plane upon arrival at LAX. In the footage, she was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and tie-dyed leggings.
The last direct contact with Hannah was on November 11, 2024. On this day, she reportedly texted her mother indicating that she had not reached New York. Additionally, she sent alarming messages to a friend referencing concerns about hackers.
Surveillance Footage Reveals New Details
Further surveillance footage obtained from November 11, 2024, showed Hannah at a downtown Los Angeles Metro station. This station is located near the Crypto.com Arena. The footage captured her in the presence of an unidentified individual. The family reviewed this footage and noted publicly that Hannah “does not appear to be in good condition” in the recording.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell provided an update on the investigation on December 2. Chief McDonnell stated that the individual seen with Hannah at the Metro station was cooperative with authorities and had been interviewed. Police determined that this individual had met Hannah earlier at LAX.
Hannah’s Actions After Arrival
According to police information, Hannah intentionally missed her scheduled connecting flight to New York. Detectives also indicated that she remained active on Instagram for a few days following November 11, 2024. This activity was noted as being contrary to prior social media posts attributed to Hannah, which had suggested a desire to detach from online connectivity.
Investigators also tracked Hannah’s movements concerning her luggage. She had initially checked her luggage through to New York but later requested its return to LAX. Surveillance footage confirmed she was seen retrieving her luggage at LAX on November 11, 2024.
Following the retrieval of her luggage, Hannah proceeded to Union Station in Los Angeles. There, she purchased a bus ticket with San Ysidro, a location near the US-Mexico border, as the destination.
The Desperate Search and Tragic Outcome
As the days turned into weeks without contact, Ryan Kobayashi embarked on a dedicated search effort, focusing his efforts on the vast metropolitan area of Los Angeles. His search reportedly spanned 13 days as the family grew increasingly concerned for Hannah’s safety and whereabouts.
Tragically, during this difficult period, Ryan Kobayashi took his own life. His death was confirmed by the family, who conveyed their profound loss and the emotional toll the search had taken.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Days after Hannah Kobayashi’s initial disappearance, reports emerged detailing troubling signs related to her welfare. These included unusual financial transactions and multiple reported sightings of her in various locations. The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate Hannah Kobayashi’s disappearance, seeking to piece together her movements and the circumstances leading to her sudden vanishing after her arrival in Los Angeles.
The dual tragedies underscore the devastating impact of unresolved missing person cases on families, leaving them grappling with uncertainty and grief.
