Hawaii Woman's Father Found Dead in LA Two Weeks After Daughter's Disappearance
The father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, just two weeks after his daughter disappeared. He was 58 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed his death, but no details regarding the cause have been provided.
Ryan's body was discovered around 4 a.m. local time in a parking structure near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to reports from KTLA, NBC Los Angeles, and ABC News, which cited the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The LAPD and the Medical Examiner's office have not yet responded to requests for comment.
In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Li Jaena, Ryan Kobayashi's fiancée, during this incredibly difficult time. The page, organized by Emi Ko, shared a tribute to Ryan, noting that he had flown to Los Angeles immediately after learning of his daughter’s disappearance, but now leaves behind a family grappling with deep sorrow. The GoFundMe post reads, “Ryan is no longer with us, leaving us all heartbroken and at a loss for words,” and it describes him as a “remarkable person” who “lit up every room with his positivity and kind heart.”
The page goes on to highlight the unimaginable grief the Kobayashi family is experiencing as they cope with the loss of both Ryan and the ongoing search for Hannah.
Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was last seen at LAX on Nov. 11, after missing her connecting flight to New York City. Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, had told PEOPLE that Hannah had contacted another relative about missing her flight and attempting to rebook, but things quickly took a concerning turn. On Nov. 11, the family received unsettling text messages from Hannah, including one where she stated, “I think someone’s trying to steal my identity. I’m really scared.” The last confirmed sighting of Hannah was at LAX, where she was seen with an unidentified individual before reportedly exiting at Pico Station. She has not been seen since.
Ryan Kobayashi was a vocal and active participant in the search for his daughter, and during a rally near the Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 21, he joined family members in pleading for any information about Hannah’s whereabouts. "She’s a beautiful girl inside and outside. Just reach out, if you can at all," Ryan said during the rally, as the family’s determination to find Hannah continued despite their deepening distress.
As the search for Hannah Kobayashi continues, the Kobayashi family now faces the additional heartbreak of losing Ryan while navigating the search for their loved one. The community’s support and outpouring of sympathy have been crucial in helping them through this incredibly difficult time.
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