The disappearance of Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer, took a tragic turn as her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead just two weeks into the search for his missing daughter. Kobayashi vanished after missing a connecting flight at LAX, California, USA, later sending cryptic texts. The family has continued to seek answers as both Kobayashi’s mysterious disappearance and her father’s sudden passing have deepened their grief.
Ryan Kobayashi was found dead at the age of 58 in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) around 4 a.m. local time on Sunday morning (November 24), People reported on Monday (November 25).
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Li Jaena, his fiancée, offered a heartfelt tribute.
The page, which has raised $975 at the time of writing, stated: “We are raising funds to support the Kobayashi family and provide assistance to Li during this unimaginable time.”
The disappearance of Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer, took a tragic turn
“Ryan Kobayashi flew to Los Angeles immediately after learning of Hannah’s disappearance. Tragically, Ryan is no longer with us, leaving us all heartbroken and at a loss for words.
“If you would like to directly support Li, this GoFundMe will help her navigate through this devastating time.”
The fundraiser was created by Emi Ko, R. Kobayashi’s niece. She further shared: “Ryan was my uncle—a truly remarkable person who lit up every room with his positivity and kind heart.”
“He has been living his absolute worst nightmare, since Hannah’s disappearance, and now, with his passing, our family is grappling with unimaginable grief.
“Ryan’s love for his family was boundless, and he would do anything to protect and care for his daughters.
“This GoFundMe is a way to honor his memory by supporting Li, who has lost her partner and soulmate during this heartbreaking time.”
Her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead just two weeks into the search for his missing daughter
Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer from Maui, Hawaii, USA, has been missing since November 9 after failing to catch her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport, Bored Panda previously reported.
Kobayashi disappeared from the streets of downtown Los Angeles after missing the connecting flight from her native Maui in Hawaii en route to New York City.
Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told The Daily Mail at the time: “As of today the police have reached out to family members who last spoke with Hannah. We want them to take it a bit more seriously.”
“We think they realize we’re not going away and we’re going to be really loud. We’re going to do something until they do something.
“I think now they are beginning the process of what we began six days ago. The entire world is looking for you (Hannah) because that’s how special you are.
“We are not going to stop until we find you. We love you.”
The family has continued to seek answers as both Kobayashi’s mysterious disappearance and her father’s sudden passing have deepened their grief
On November 8, Kobayashi began to travel, which she reportedly described as a “bucket list dream become reality” in a hand-written itinerary, Bored Panda previously shared.
However, Kobayashi missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles while traveling to meet her aunt, Geordan Montalvo, in New York.
After sending cryptic texts that raised concerns about potential abduction or trafficking, her family grew increasingly worried for her safety.
Ryan Kobayashi, still alive at the time, revealed that his daughter had begun sending odd texts to family members about a “spiritual awakening.”
“She felt like she was in danger,” he said at the time. “She felt like somebody was trying to get her identity or her phone.”
Hannah Kobayashi vanished after missing a connecting flight at LAX, California, USA, later sending cryptic texts
Hannah Kobayashi was reportedly spotted in Los Angeles on November 9 at the Taschen bookstore located in The Grove shopping center, Bored Panda previously reported.
Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, stated that Kobayashi sent a Venmo payment to two people whose names the family does not recognize.
The 30-year-old from Maui, Hawaii, USA, has been missing since November 9
Image credits: NewsNation
On November 11, surveillance video around a downtown Los Angeles Metro train station near the Crypto.com arena reportedly showed Kobayashi with an unknown person.
Her family said she “does not appear to be in good condition” in the footage. Her Aunt Pidgeon told The Mail: “She didn’t look her normal self.
“She was with someone but we don’t know who it was at this point. She didn’t look like she was safe.”
“My heart goes out to the family,” a reader commented
