On Nov. 8, Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Honolulu, Hawaii, landed at the Los Angeles International Airport. According to a now-private Facebook post from her sister Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah was scheduled to catch a connecting flight from LAX to New York City, where she planned to spend time with her aunt. She never got on the second flight. In the weeks since Nov. 11, when Hannah was last heard from her mother, family and friends have gone on an intense search around Los Angeles looking for the woman. And while social media speculation about Hannah’s whereabouts and reasons for not contacting continue to grow, the mystery of the woman’s disappearance has captured national attention. Here’s a complete timeline of what authorities have said about the Kobayashi case.
Nov. 11 – Hannah Is Declared Missing By Family
On Nov. 8, Kobayashi was scheduled to take a connecting flight from LAX to New York. But security cameras at the airport captured images of the woman taking the metro to downtown Los Angeles, according to the Daily Beast.
She continued to send intermittent messages to family until Nov. 11, when she returned to LAX to retrieve her luggage, which had been rerouted to her scheduled New York connection. On Nov. 11, Kobayashi’s mother texted her to ask if she’d made it to New York. She replied no. Friends and family members also told authorities that messages they received from Kobayashi didn’t sound like her. “Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind fuck since Friday,” she texted one friend. In another message, she said, “I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. From someone I thought I loved.”
Following her departure from LAX, Kobayashi reportedly sent at least two people money over Venmo and was spotted at a local mall. Family members flew to Los Angeles where they personally aided in the search for Kobayashi.
While authorities continued searching for Kobayashi, theories on social media began to balloon about her whereabouts and reasons for disappearing.
Several true-crime sleuths alleged the possibility that she was trafficked or kidnapped, but the Los Angeles Police Department said there was no evidence of those theories.
Nov. 24 – The Kobayashi Family Experiences Another Loss
In the midst of the search for Kobayashi, members of her family announced her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died from an apparent suicide.
“The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today,” a statement from RAD Movement, a nonprofit aiding the Kobayashi family, read. “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.”
The LAPD shared a statement with Rolling Stone, confirming Ryan’s body was found on Sunday, November 24 near the Los Angeles International Airport. “The LAPD has notified the Mayor’s crisis response team and is providing resources and support as needed,” the statement continued. “The Los Angeles Police Department sends its deepest sympathies for the family during this tragic time.”
Prior to his death, Ryan had been extremely vocal about the search for Hannah, traveling with her family to Los Angeles to search for her in person. “Hannah loved to travel. She loved photography, art, music. I wasn’t too close with her … growing up. We hadn’t had contact for a while,” Ryan Kobayashi told CNN in November. “I’m just trying to make up. I’m trying to get her back. That’s my main focus.”
“He died of a broken heart,” Kobayashi’s aunt Larie Pidgeon told People.
Dec. 2 – Hannah Crossed Mexico Border, LAPD Says
On Dec 2, the Los Angeles Police Department officially reclassified Kobayashi’s case as a voluntary missing person — saying surveillance showed the woman purchasing a ticket at the Greyhound bus terminal at Union Station. According to the LAPD, Kobayashi was seen entering Mexico later via the tunnel at the San Ysidro border crossing on Nov. 12.
Police believe Kobayashi did not take her phone with her to Mexico, but also say they do not believe she is the victim of any foul play. They are encouraging her to contact her family.
“We reviewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico. She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement. “She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those she cares about.”
Dec. 3 – Kobayashi Family Says They’ll Keep Searching
Members of the Kobayashi family have thanked police and authorities for their work in investigating, but maintain they’ll continue their work until Kobayashi comes back to them.
“Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely,” the Kobayashi family said in a statement to NBC News.
“We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah’s safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts.”
Dial 988 in the US to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386. Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org).