Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Hawaii native, has been declared a “voluntary missing person” by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after security footage confirmed her crossing into Mexico. However, her family remains skeptical, questioning the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the police’s handling of the investigation, particularly in light of her father’s tragic suicide during his search for her.
A Mysterious Disappearance
Kobayashi was last seen in Los Angeles on November 11, 2024, after missing a connecting flight from Maui to New York. Surveillance footage captured her at LAX, Union Station, and later boarding a bus to the U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro. Footage from mid-November confirmed she crossed into Tijuana on foot.
The LAPD stated that there is no evidence of foul play, human trafficking, or coercion. Instead, they suggest Kobayashi sought to “disconnect from modern connectivity” and live a simpler life. “She’s an adult and can choose to be missing,” one official stated, citing no legal obligation to pursue her case further.
However, Kobayashi’s family insists the situation is far from resolved. Her sister, Sydni, vehemently disputes claims that Hannah left voluntarily, noting her uncharacteristic behavior before her disappearance and the cryptic messages she sent to family and friends.
Troubling Signs
Before vanishing, Kobayashi sent several unsettling text messages, including claims that “deep hackers” had stolen her identity and funds. She also made unexplained Venmo payments to unknown individuals, accompanied by cryptic captions.
Her family described her behavior as erratic and out of character, with Sydni stating that the texts “feel like someone was controlling her.” Despite these concerns, the LAPD has not reported any evidence of coercion or wrongdoing.
Kobayashi’s movements after her flight raise further questions. She spent hours at LAX before boarding the Metro system with an unidentified individual. Her last known location was at the Los Angeles Airport on November 11.
A Father’s Tragic End
As the family desperately searched for answers, Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, spent nearly two weeks looking for her in Los Angeles. Overwhelmed by the situation, he tragically took his own life. Sydni believes Hannah would have contacted the family if she had learned of her father’s death, stating, “In her right state of mind, she would have never thought to not reach out to anybody.”
Family’s Struggle with LAPD’s Findings
The Kobayashi family has expressed frustration with the LAPD’s handling of the case. They were reportedly unaware of key updates, including evidence of Hannah’s intentional border crossing, until after a public briefing by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Sydni also criticized inaccuracies in the LAPD’s reports, such as misstating Hannah’s age and the date she was reported missing.
Despite these discrepancies, the LAPD considers the case closed, categorizing Hannah as a “voluntary missing person.” They have encouraged her to contact the American Embassy in Mexico to confirm her well-being but have no plans to continue the investigation.
Unanswered Questions
The family remains unconvinced that Kobayashi left on her own accord. Her cryptic messages, strange financial transactions, and erratic behavior suggest to them that she may still be in danger. “Intuitively, knowing her and being so close to her my entire life, I just know this is absolutely not like her,” Sydni said.
The case raises broader concerns about how authorities handle missing person cases involving adults. As the family continues to search for answers, they hope for a resolution that brings Hannah home safely and sheds light on the truth behind her disappearance.
