The case of missing Hawaiian woman Hannah Kobayashi has captivated national attention as authorities confirmed that she was last seen voluntarily crossing into Mexico. The 30-year-old’s disappearance, which sparked significant fears and speculation, has now been classified as a “voluntary missing person” by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

The Timeline of Disappearance

Kobayashi traveled from Maui to Los Angeles on November 8, 2024, with plans to visit an aunt in New York. However, she reportedly missed her connecting flight deliberately, choosing instead to stay in Los Angeles. Family members grew concerned after receiving unsettling texts from her, and she was last captured on surveillance video at Pico Metro Station on November 11 with an unidentified individual.

On November 12, she retrieved her luggage from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and purchased a bus ticket to a location near the Mexico border. Surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed Kobayashi crossing into Mexico alone at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

No Evidence of Foul Play

The LAPD has stressed that there is currently no evidence indicating that Kobayashi’s case involves foul play or trafficking. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated, “To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play.” It is believed that her intention to disconnect from modern communication influenced her actions.

Although the authorities have classified the case this way, McDonnell urged Kobayashi to reach out to her family or the U.S. Embassy to reassure them of her safety.

A Family in Mourning

Tragically, while the search for Kobayashi continues, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide on November 24 near LAX while seeking to assist in the search for his daughter. Reports confirmed his death was due to multiple blunt force injuries. In an emotional plea before his death, he expressed, “I miss her. Just want her to know that and just want her to reach out—anything.”

Past Incidents of Disappearance

This incident is not Kobayashi’s first disappearance. Law enforcement sources have acknowledged that she has a history of going missing, raising many unresolved questions regarding her motivations and current circumstances.

Final Movements in Los Angeles

During her time in Los Angeles, Kobayashi attended an event at The Grove shopping center on November 9 and was later seen at the Metro station. Family members expressed concerns about her mental state, citing her texts that reflected feelings of insecurity.

Despite the finding of her crossing into Mexico, authorities have closed the case, viewing it as a personal choice rather than a criminal issue.