In brief
New updates reveal that Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Hawaii woman missing since the beginning of November, was last seen crossing into Mexico after landing in Los Angeles and deliberately missing her connecting flight. The LAPD states they believe she is a "voluntarily missing person", while her family expresses ongoing concern.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) provided important updates on the case of Hannah Kobayashi, who was reported missing last month after arriving in Los Angeles from Hawaii. On Monday, they revealed that the 30-year-old woman was confirmed to have safely crossed the southern US border into Mexico. Surveillance footage from US immigration authorities showed her walking into Mexico shortly after she landed in LA and missed her flight to New York. According to officials, Kobayashi appeared safe in the video and no foul play is currently suspected. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell classified her as a "voluntarily missing person" and emphasized that the investigation has not indicated any criminal activity or trafficking concerns involving her. Kobayashi’s family has voiced dissatisfaction with the police’s account, arguing that the claims regarding her intention to miss the flight do not align with their beliefs about her wellbeing. They cite confusing communications from the authorities, which have left them feeling out of the loop on developments regarding her case. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, stressed their hope that the police are doing everything possible to aid in finding Hannah.The search for Kobayashi has taken a tragic turn as her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead near the LA airport. He traveled to California to assist in the search efforts for his daughter. The cause of death has been determined to be multiple blunt force traumatic injuries.If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to available resources for support.
