Ryan Kobayashi, the father of a 31-year-old Maui woman who disappeared in Los Angeles nearly two weeks ago, was found dead early Sunday morning near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The tragedy adds to the ongoing anguish of the Kobayashi family, who had traveled to Los Angeles in search of their missing daughter, Hannah Kobayashi.
Hannah disappeared on November 10 after failing to board a connecting flight at LAX. Her last confirmed sighting was near the Pico Metro Station in downtown Los Angeles on November 11. The family, led by Ryan Kobayashi, had been conducting a tireless 13-day search for her, pleading publicly for her safe return.
Ryan Kobayashi had spoken with local news outlet KTLA on November 18, expressing his hope and longing for his daughter. “I miss her,” he said. “I just want her to know that, and I hope she can reach out — anything.” Tragically, Ryan was discovered deceased in the 6100 block of Century Boulevard, near LAX, around 4 a.m. Sunday.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not released specific details regarding the cause of his death. However, a statement from the nonprofit RAD Movement, which is assisting the family, confirmed that Ryan died by suicide. “After an exhaustive 13-day search throughout Los Angeles, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has intensified the family’s anguish beyond measure,” the organization said.
Despite the devastating loss, the family and RAD Movement urge the public to remain focused on the search for Hannah, who is still missing and believed to be in imminent danger. “Hannah IS still actively missing,” emphasized the nonprofit. They urged people to stay vigilant and assist in the effort to locate her.
The Kobayashi family has requested privacy as they grieve and process the dual tragedies of Ryan’s death and Hannah’s disappearance. The RAD Movement added, “The trauma they are experiencing is profound, and they now bear the additional weight of mourning the loss of their family’s cornerstone while navigating the next steps.” Anyone with information about Hannah’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately.