Hawaii Woman Missing After LAX Arrival Found Crossing into Mexico

Authorities determined Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who disappeared upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), freely crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on foot, therefore altering the case. Kobayashi, alone and with her bags, was seen entering Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry on November 12 according to surveillance footage watched by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). There is no sign of foul play according to investigators.

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Chronicle of Events Leading to Disappearance

Arriving at LAX on November 8, Hannah Kobayashi planned to head to New York for a job search and family vacation. She missed her connecting flight, though, a move police later found deliberate. She was observed at several Los Angeles venues for three days, including a Metro rail station close to Crypto.com Arena and The Grove shopping center.

Hannah Kobayashi sent her family strange and alarming notes around this time, mentioning worries about identity theft and feeling insecure. Her last message came on November 10. Hannah Kobayashi picked up her bags at LAX, which had been checked to New York, on November 11. Investigators think she left her phone in Los Angeles and then traveled to the border the next day.

Investigating Results from Surveillance Footage

A review of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection video by the LAPD verified Hannah Kobayashi crossed the border alone on November 12 at roughly 12:13 p.m. She looked to be unhurt and was carrying bags. “To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said.

Additionally adding context to Hannah Kobayashi’s absence, McDonnell pointed to her earlier comments of wanting to “steep away from modern connectivity.” Law enforcement has labeled her a voluntary missing person; no illegal conduct is suspected.

Response to Family and Tragic Events

Active in the search, the Hannah Kobayashi family suffered more tragedy when Ryan Kobayashi, Hannah’s father, committed suicide near Los Angeles on November 24. He had flown from Hawaii to help track his daughter. Before she vanished, the family said Hannah’s texts were unusual and troubling.

Family members have complained about the inquiry despite the LAPD’s conclusions, pointing to mistakes and miscommunications. Threats directed against the family caused a Facebook group devoted to the search—which had attracted over 25,000 members—to disband. The family in a statement asked for privacy during this trying period.

Public Request for Contact

Authorities still advise Hannah Kobayashi to verify her safety by getting in touch with local police, her family, or the U.S. Embassy. “A basic message could reassure those who care about her,” McDonnell added. The LAPD stressed that the missing person case would stay open until her welfare was confirmed.

Consideration From Authorities

“My ask would be to anyone considering doing this: think about the people you’re leaving behind, your loved ones who are going to be worried sick about you,” Chief McDonnell said during a press conference reflecting on the emotional toll missing person cases cause.

Erica Smith