Father of Maui woman who vanished in Los Angeles found dead near LAX
(KTLA) -- Ryan Kobayashi, the father of a 31-year-old Maui woman who vanished in Los Angeles nearly two weeks ago, was found dead near Los Angeles International Airport early Sunday morning, officials confirmed.
Ryan Kobayashi and other family members traveled to Los Angeles to search for his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, who disappeared shortly after missing a connecting flight at LAX.
On Nov. 18, Ryan Kobayashi spoke with Nexstar's KTLA in hopes of reaching his daughter. “I miss her,” he said. “Just want her to know that, and just want her to reach out — anything.”
Hannah Kobayashi’s family has not heard from her since Nov. 10, and her last known location was in downtown Los Angeles near the Pico Metro Station on Nov. 11.
On Sunday, Los Angeles Police said officers responded to the 6100 block of Century Boulevard around 4 a.m. Sunday for a report of a death in the area.
While the LAPD did not release any details about the cause of death, a nonprofit that is believed to be aiding in the search provided a statement on behalf of the family.
“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.”
Hannah Kobayashi’s family did not immediately provide a statement of their own, but the RAD Movement said they are “urgently pleading with the public to maintain focus on the search for her.”
“Hannah IS still actively missing and is believed to be in imminent danger,” added the nonprofit. “It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to locate Hannah.”
The RAD Movement also asked the public to refrain from contacting any family members and to allow them space to grieve.
“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.
Hannah Kobayashi is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds with brown hair and eyes and fair skin with freckles.
Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, said Hannah Kobayashi was traveling from Maui to New York City to visit family, but when she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles at 11 p.m. on Nov. 8, she decided to go to The Grove for a Lebron James event.
When she returned to LAX days later, Pidgeon said that was when she started sending alarming text messages.
“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.”
Her family believes the 31-year-old is in danger. With each day she’s missing, they are begging to keep her name out there.
Anyone who sees Hannah Kobayashi is urged call 911 immediately and obtain a photo if possible, The RAD Movement said.
The nonprofit added that, in accordance with the immediate 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 radthemovement@gmail.com.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate professional help by calling the nationwide mental health crisis hotline by dialing 9-8-8 on your phone.