HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hannah Kobayashi’s family is still searching for the missing 31-year-old Maui woman who disappeared two weeks ago after her phone was last located in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
New information in the case has led to a tragic development for Hannah’s loved ones.
Several members of Hannah Kobayashi’s family — including her father, Ryan Kobayashi — traveled to Los Angeles after her disappearance. There was tragic news for members of the Kobayashi family after they got word on Saturday, Nov. 23 that Hannah is likely being held against her will in L.A.
“We’re getting driplets, you know, from the investigators. We just know that it’s like, what they’ve been telling us is that it’s serious,” said Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon. “The words like human trafficking, abduction, those are becoming a reality in our life. And I think that’s another reason that, you know, Ryan just, he just couldn’t handle that reality, you know?”
According to the L.A. County Coroner’s Office, Ryan Kobayashi took his own life during the weekend of Nov. 23. The family is adamant that the story stays focused on Hannah, who could still be in danger.
“Hannah is still missing,” Pidgeon said. “We’re holding on by a thread, but we’re not giving up, Bryce.”
An LAPD spokesman said there is an open investigation regarding Hannah but would not confirm any other information. The former special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu said withholding information is not unusual when it comes to potential human trafficking.
“They will look and take steps incrementally to gain ground. Sometimes they will lose ground and put out information to see if they can trigger any type of activity. But in in this case, I’m sure they’ve pulled out all stops. And, you know, there are probably many, many agencies that are engaged in this activity,” said former HSI Honolulu special agent in charge Wayne Wills.
Hannah’s family who are still in L.A. are focusing their efforts on Union train station, the Arts District and the Crypto.com Arena and hope that a break in the case is still possible 14 days after surveillance video captured Hannah with an unidentified person around 10 p.m. at a subway station near the Crypto arena on Monday, Nov. 11.
“We’re hoping by canvasing, you know, with her poster that if someone sees her, they remember the conversation they have. You know, most of the tips that are coming in are through fliers,” Pidgeon said.
Anyone with information about Hannah’s disappearance or knowledge of her whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD.
Hannah’s family released a statement on Saturday, Nov. 24:
“The family of Hannah Kobayashi is urgently pleading with the public to maintain focus on the search for her. Hannah IS still actively missing and is believed to be in imminent danger. It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to locate Hannah.
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.
What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts. The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family’s pillar and navigating next steps.
We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this period. Please refrain from contacting any family members, regardless of any previous connections you may have had. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Allow them the space to grieve and process this significant loss.
Again, it is the family wish that the public keep the focus on locating and recovering Hannah safely.
If you see Hannah, please call 911 immediately. Please obtain a photograph if possible. Your prompt action is crucial. If you’re able to safely keep eyes on her until law enforcement arrives, please do so.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, all information, tips and media inquiries are to be directed via text to (619) 904-0840 or emailed to radthemovement@gmail.com.”
Hannah Kobayashi’s family
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