It’s been over a month since the disappearance of 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi made headlines. While the good news is that Hannah has been found “safe and well,” her father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically passed away while searching for her, leaving behind a grieving family.
How It All Started
Hannah, a photographer from Maui, Hawaii, was on her way to meet her family in New York. She had flown to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 8 for a connecting flight... Continue reading here ▶
But instead of waiting for her flight, Hannah made a sudden decision to leave the airport. She sent a text to a friend saying she had a “spiritual awakening” and then disappeared.
Her family was immediately concerned. A few days later, Hannah was reportedly seen in Los Angeles with an unknown man. Fears began to grow that she might have been kidnapped.
A Father’s Desperate Search
Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, flew to Los Angeles to look for her. For over two weeks, Ryan searched tirelessly, doing everything he could to bring his daughter home. Sadly, the stress and emotional toll became overwhelming.
On November 24, Ryan was found dead in Los Angeles. The police believe it was an apparent suicide. His death was a devastating blow to the family, who were already struggling with Hannah’s disappearance.
Confusion and Controversy
Just two days after Ryan’s death, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced that they believed Hannah had intentionally missed her flight and gone missing on purpose. This claim didn’t sit well with her family, who were still desperate for answers.
Then, on December 2, Hannah was spotted crossing the border into Mexico. At this point, the police reclassified the case, stating that she had gone missing “voluntarily.”
Hannah Found Safe
On December 11, the family finally got the news they had been waiting for: Hannah was found “safe and well” in Mexico. She returned to the U.S., where border officials said she appeared to be in good health and showed no signs of distress.
In a statement shared by her family, they expressed their relief:
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful Hannah has been found safe.”
Hannah Speaks Out
A few days later, Hannah broke her silence through a statement shared by her aunt. She wrote:
“At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States.
My focus now is on my healing, my peace, and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.
I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding.”
A Family’s Grief
While the relief of Hannah’s return is undeniable, the family is now left to deal with the heartbreaking loss of her father, Ryan. Much of the money raised through a GoFundMe campaign during the search will now be used to cover Ryan’s funeral costs.
Hannah’s sister has spoken publicly about the “betrayal” the family feels, and it’s clear that they are struggling to come to terms with everything that has happened.
Moving Forward
This story is one of both hope and heartbreak. While Hannah has been found safe, the loss of her father is a painful reminder of the emotional toll these situations can take.
Hannah has now turned her focus to healing and finding peace, and the family is asking for privacy as they work through this incredibly difficult time.
For those who followed this story, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding when families face unimaginable challenges.
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