Hannah Kobayashi: Hawaii woman who temporarily went missing found safe, family says
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LOS ANGELES – Hannah Kobayashi, the 30-year-old woman from Maui, Hawaii who temporarily went missing, has reportedly reconnected with her family and assured them that she's safe.
"We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe," her family wrote in a statement obtained by FOX 11. "This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us."
The family did not go into further detail about where she was found or the circumstances surrounding the peculiar case.
Below is a timeline of the events.
Timeline of Events
Nov. 8, 2024
After arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Maui, she missed her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York City.
Security footage obtained by Kobayashi's family showed her leaving the airport wearing a black hoodie, tie-dye leggings, and carrying a dark green backpack.
She was last in contact with her family on Nov. 9, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
Her family at the time was worried sick, especially after they received "strange" messages that "didn't sound like her."
Nov. 11, 2024
A friend claimed she received concerning text messages from Kobayashi’s phone number, which indicated she might be in trouble.
The family said they obtained surveillance video showing Kobayashi in the area of the Pico Metro station near Crypto.com Arena. It's unclear when the footage was taken, but the family indicated that "it is evident Hannah does not appear to be in good condition and she is not alone."
Nov. 12, 2024
Kobayashi’s family officially reported her missing.
Meanwhile, the LAPD later determined this was the day she safely crossed the US-Mexico border. Investigators said foul play was not suspected. In addition, human trafficking was ruled out as police claimed she left Southern California on foot and alone.
Nov. 15, 2024
The LAPD's missing persons unit assumed investigative responsibility looking into her reported disappearance.
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Nov. 24, 2024
Ryan Kobayashi, who had traveled to LA to help in the search for his daughter, was found dead in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said.
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Nov. 27, 2024
An autopsy report was conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined Ryan Kobayashi died from "multiple blunt force traumatic injuries" and ruled his death a suicide.
Investigators said Kobayashi apparently jumped to his death from a parking structure.
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"Ryan was one of the most incredible, compassionate, loving, yet very sensitive man. He had a really big heart," Larie Pidgeon, Hannah Kobayashi's aunt, told FOX 11's Hailey Winslow. "We believe that after 12 days of searching, with maybe an hour of sleep each night… having all the possibilities swirl… we think Ryan basically broke, and he couldn't take it, and he took his life."
Dec. 2, 2024
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell revealed on Dec. 2 that Kobayashi had left for Mexico, allegedly by choice, he said the 30-year-old woman had intentionally missed her flight on Nov. 8.
"We've basically done everything we can do at this point. She's left the nation, left the country and another nation now," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a news conference providing an update on the case.
McDonnell said the department has not interacted with Mexican authorities regarding Kobayashi's whereabouts.
"I want to be completely transparent: I was not made aware of this development until just hours before their press conference. I have not seen the footage myself, but I trust the LAPD has done their due diligence to confirm it was her. I want to thank the LAPD for their hard work and the resources they have dedicated to this search. I know they’ve worked tirelessly, and their efforts have brought us to this new piece of the puzzle. But I also want to be clear—this search is not over. Knowing Hannah crossed the border does not provide the answers I need, nor does it ease the heartbreak I feel," Kobayashi's aunt, Larie Pidgeon, said in a released statement.
Dec. 5, 2024
Relatives of Kobayashi released a statement saying they were investigating the possibility that she may have been involved in an immigration marriage scam.
Dec. 11, 2024
The legal team representing Kobayashi's family confirmed she has reconnected with them and that she is safe.