Hawaii Woman Who Vanished in Los Angeles Voluntarily Crossed into Mexico, Say Police

In a mysterious case that gripped both Hawaii and Los Angeles communities, police have confirmed that 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, who disappeared after landing in Los Angeles three weeks ago, crossed into Mexico voluntarily. Authorities revealed that she sought to “step away from modern connectivity” and was last seen alone, unharmed, entering Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing on November 12.

Surveillance Confirms Voluntary Departure

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell shared at a recent news conference that surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed Kobayashi entering a tunnel at the San Ysidro border with her luggage. The footage was discovered late Sunday, solidifying the case as a voluntary disappearance rather than a crime.

“There is no evidence of foul play, trafficking, or any other crime,” McDonnell stated, emphasizing that the case remains active until law enforcement confirms Kobayashi’s safety. He urged Kobayashi to contact her family, saying, “A simple message could reassure those who care deeply about her.”

Timeline of Disappearance

Kobayashi, an aspiring photographer from Maui, was last in contact with her family on November 8 after landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to New York for a new job and family visit. She texted her family that she was sightseeing in Los Angeles, mentioning plans to visit The Grove shopping mall and downtown LA.

However, on November 11, her family received cryptic text messages that raised alarm. She mentioned being “intercepted” on a Metro train and expressed fear that someone was stealing her identity. These messages heightened concerns, leading her family to report her missing.

Tragic Turn in the Search Efforts

In a heartbreaking development, Kobayashi’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, who had been actively searching for his daughter, died by apparent suicide on November 24 near LAX. The tragic event added a profound layer of grief to the already distressing case.

Details of Her Journey

Investigators discovered that Kobayashi intentionally missed her connecting flight to New York and later requested that her checked luggage be returned to LAX, where she retrieved it on November 11. Police confirmed she left without her phone, reinforcing the theory that she sought to disconnect from modern life.

Authorities also questioned a man seen with Kobayashi on a Metro train. He cooperated fully, stating they met at LAX. Police clarified that there was no evidence of wrongdoing on his part.

Social Media and Family Privacy

The case attracted widespread attention, with a “Help Us Find Hannah” Facebook group amassing over 25,000 members. However, due to threats against the family, the group was shut down, and family members announced they would no longer respond to inquiries.

Chief McDonnell urged anyone considering a similar disappearance to reflect on the impact on loved ones. “Think about the people you’re leaving behind,” he said, referencing the emotional toll on Kobayashi’s family.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Case

Though authorities have determined Kobayashi left voluntarily, the case remains open until she confirms her safety. Her family, friends, and law enforcement hope she will reach out soon, providing peace of mind after weeks of uncertainty and heartbreak.

Stay updated with the latest automotive news on 360Bulletin!