Hannah vanished nearly two weeks ago after missing a connecting flight at LAX on November 8. Her family reported receiving disturbing messages from her about fears of identity theft and cryptic mentions of "the matrix," raising serious concerns for her safety. Now, amidst the desperate search for Hannah, the family must grapple with the devastating loss of its patriarch.
The nonprofit RAD Movement, which has been aiding in the search, issued a statement confirming the unimaginable tragedy. “After 13 days of relentless searching, Ryan Kobayashi tragically took his own life. This has compounded the family’s suffering beyond measure,” they wrote. The nonprofit emphasized that finding Hannah remains the priority, describing her as being in "imminent danger."
Critics have begun to question whether law enforcement is treating this case with the urgency it demands. Hannah’s aunt, Laire Pidgeon, expressed frustration, stating, “Just because she doesn’t fit into a stereotypical profile of a vulnerable person doesn’t mean something terrible hasn’t happened to her.”
Hannah was traveling from Maui to New York City to visit family but missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles. Reports indicate she attended a public event at The Grove for LeBron James on November 8. Days later, her alarming texts began, followed by complete radio silence.
Despite pleas for help, Hannah’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the response from authorities. “We’re trying to make them take us seriously,” Pidgeon said. The LAPD’s handling of the case has raised eyebrows, as families of missing individuals often face an uphill battle when a case doesn’t fit neatly into preconceived categories.
Hannah’s last known location was the Pico Metro Station in downtown LA on November 11, a neighborhood notorious for crime. As the family implores the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Hannah, the heartbreaking loss of her father has added a harrowing layer of urgency to the case.
The RAD Movement has urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginable time but stressed the need to keep the spotlight on finding Hannah. “This family has endured unspeakable trauma, and now they face the burden of grieving while still searching for Hannah. She is in danger, and time is running out.”
Hannah is described as 5'10", 140 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin with freckles. She was last seen wearing black leggings, a tie-dye sweatshirt, and a green backpack. If you see her, call 911 immediately and try to capture a photo to aid in her safe recovery.
As social media explodes with outrage and sorrow, questions mount: Could this tragedy have been prevented with more urgency from authorities? How does a young woman simply vanish in a city as surveilled as Los Angeles? And now, with her father’s tragic death, who will step up to continue the search?
This case serves as a chilling reminder that the clock is ticking for every missing person, and the ripple effects of inaction can shatter lives forever. Keep Hannah’s story alive—because her life, and the truth behind her disappearance, depend on it.