UPDATE: Hannah Kobayashi Declared ‘Voluntary Missing Person’ After Crossing Border Into Mexico

UPDATE: Hannah Kobayashi Declared ‘Voluntary Missing Person’ After Crossing Border Into Mexico

Update (Dec. 3, 2024): Trigger Warning: This article discusses a missing person’s case.

Hannah Kobayashi, the 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who vanished after missing a flight in Los Angeles and sending “alarming” text messages to her family, has been declared a “voluntary missing person,” according to PEOPLE.

“As the family is aware, late yesterday, after traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, we reviewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The footage clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2.

Kobayashi crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 12, just after noon local time. McDonnell confirmed she was on foot, carrying her luggage, and appeared unharmed. She used the San Ysidro point of entry tunnel.

“She was alone, with her luggage and appeared unharmed,” McDonnell added.

The investigation found no evidence that Kobayashi “is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play,” McDonnell said. Authorities also stated there is no indication that she is working with anyone else.

The investigation will not continue in Mexico. “We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement, or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know that you’re safe,” McDonnell said.

If Kobayashi returns to the U.S., law enforcement will be notified, he added. We hope Hannah is found safe and sound.

Original Story (Nov. 25, 2024): Ryan Kobayashi, the father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi, was found dead Sunday morning (Nov. 24) near Los Angeles International Airport.

Ryan traveled to Los Angeles to help search for his 30-year-old daughter, who disappeared after a layover at LAX on November 8 while traveling from Hawaii to New York City. His body was discovered at 6151 W. Century Blvd, around 4 a.m. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his passing, but details regarding the cause remain unclear.

The Kobayashi family believes Ryan took his own life. A statement from a nonprofit supporting the family reads, “After tirelessly searching for 13 days, Hannah’s father tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.”

Hannah was last seen on surveillance video at The Grove shopping mall in Los Angeles on November 10 and was last heard from via text on November 11. The family continues to search for her and has asked for privacy as they grieve.

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