Warning: This article includes discussions about suicide, which may be distressing for some readers.
The father of missing person Hannah Kobayashi has been discovered dead, less than a month after he began searching for his daughter.
Ryan Kobayashi traveled to Los Angeles, where his 30-year-old daughter was last observed. Hannah missed a connecting flight to New York City, where she was to reunite with her family on November 8, after leaving Maui, Hawaii.
The aspiring photographer reportedly texted a friend, claiming she had experienced a ‘spiritual awakening’ and chose to leave LAX airport to explore the city of Los Angeles.
Hannah was later seen with an unidentified man, and on November 11, her family received texts from her, stating someone was attempting to steal her identity.
Her family has not had any contact with her since then, although she was seen boarding the Metro at Pico Station, about 10 miles from the airport, around 10pm on November 11.
Tragically, the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that her father, Ryan, was found dead, suspected of having died by suicide, while he was in Los Angeles searching for her on November 24, around 4am.
A few days before his passing, the 58-year-old was distributing missing person flyers and speaking to DailyMail.com.
He stated: “We will do everything we can until we have found her. We just need to get the word out there about her.
“She’s a wonderful person who brings joy to so many people.”
Hannah remains missing and was last seen wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt, a green backpack, and black leggings.
The RAD Movement, a nonprofit organization that helps locate missing individuals in the US and had been collaborating with Ryan to find Hannah, released a statement on behalf of the immediate family.
The statement said: “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.”
It continued: “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.”
The statement added: “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 [email protected].
“The family wants to expressly state that if you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, they want to encourage you to reach out to the suicide and crisis lifeline: 988”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If immediate mental health support is needed, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 service available to everyone.