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In a tragic turn of events, the father of a missing Hawaiian woman was discovered deceased near Los Angeles International Airport early Sunday after falling from a parking structure.
Ryan Kobayashi, 58, had traveled to Los Angeles in search of his daughter Hannah, 30, who mysteriously disappeared after missing her connecting flight to New York more than two weeks ago.
Father of Missing Hawaii Woman Dies in Apparent Suicide
Ryan Kobayashi, 58, father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi, died by apparent suicide near LAX early Sunday, the LAPD confirmed.
Hannah, 30, disappeared after missing a Nov. 8 connecting flight to New York, where… pic.twitter.com/XeeINtZgey
— Crime With Bobby (@CrimeWithBobby) November 25, 2024
Los Angeles law enforcement confirmed that Ryan Kobayashi’s death occurred around 4 a.m. Sunday when he jumped from a parking facility near LAX.
The RAD Movement, an organization assisting in Hannah’s search, released a statement saying, “The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today. 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.”
Just days before his death, Ryan spoke with KTLA, expressing his longing for his daughter. “I miss her,” he said. “Just want her to know that, and just want her to reach out – anything.”
Hannah’s disappearance began on November 8 when she departed Maui for New York, planning to visit her aunt on what she called a “bucket list” trip. Despite landing at LAX, she never boarded her connecting flight 42 minutes later.
Before vanishing, Hannah sent concerning messages to friends and family. In one text, she claimed she “got tricked into pretty much giving away all my funds,” while another mentioned “Deep Hackers” who allegedly stole her identity.
Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, noted the uncharacteristic nature of these messages, stating, “She mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity. Strange, cryptic messages – things about the matrix, it was so unlike her. And then all of a sudden, no more communication.”
TRAGIC DEVELOPMENT!
Father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi found dead near LAX.
Ryan Kobayashi jumped from a parking garage and was found Sun morning according to Los Angeles Police Department.
He came to LA to search for his daughter.#HannahKobayashi #missing #dad pic.twitter.com/A6X2nadVRg— The Last Show- Karen Lee (@thelastshow) November 25, 2024
Surveillance footage captured Hannah at the Grove shopping center on November 9 and 10, and later at LAX on November 11, where she was last seen near the metro station. Her phone has remained inactive since November 11.
Hannah, who stands 5’10” and weighs approximately 140 pounds, has brown hair and eyes, with fair skin and freckles. The case remains under investigation by LAPD, LAX authorities, and the FBI.