LAPD: Hawaiian Woman Who Went Missing Has Crossed into Mexico

LOS ANGELES—A woman from Hawaii, who went missing upon her arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 while en route to New York, has been captured on video crossing into Mexico on her own accord—without any indications of foul play, the police revealed during a press briefing on Monday evening.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell informed the media at a late afternoon conference that the case involving 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi has been recategorized as a “voluntary missing person.”

According to McDonnell, Kobayashi traveled from Los Angeles Union Station to the San Ysidro border crossing on November 12, where she crossed into Mexico on foot shortly after midday.

“She was alone with her luggage and appeared to be unharmed,” McDonnell stated.

Authorities also discovered evidence suggesting that Kobayashi had previously shown a desire to disconnect from modern technology, and it is believed she did not take her cell phone with her to Mexico.

McDonnell emphasized that the police “have not found any evidence suggesting that a crime has been committed.”

According to her family, Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was traveling to New York City for a family visit when she disappeared. After landing at LAX on November 8, she did not board her connecting flight and apparently spent the night at the airport.

The following day, she visited The Grove shopping center and returned to LAX that evening, as noted by her family. She was later seen at The Grove on November 10 at a Nike/LeBron James event and likely returned to LAX afterward. Her family reported she was spotted around 5 p.m. on November 11 talking to a ticket agent at LAX, but once more did not board a flight.

The family stated that on the night of November 11, Kobayashi boarded an eastbound Metro C Line train at the Century/Aviation Station and transferred to a northbound A Line train at the Rosa Parks Station, accompanied by an “unknown individual.” They were seen together around 10 p.m. on November 11 at the Metro Pico Station near Crypto.com Arena. Her family mentioned she was seen early in the morning on November 12 at the Union Station bus terminal in downtown Los Angeles.

Initially, the family shared that the last messages they received from Kobayashi were concerning, including one where she expressed feelings of fear and mentioned that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity.

However, McDonnell confirmed there was no indication of criminal activity. The police also identified the individual seen on video with Kobayashi after they met at LAX, and he is not suspected of any misconduct.

McDonnell further mentioned that Kobayashi did not miss her connecting flight to New York but made the conscious decision not to board it “for reasons that remain unclear.” He pointed out that although her luggage was checked through to New York, she requested it back at LAX and was captured on video retrieving it from the baggage claim area on November 11. She was seen carrying that same luggage when she entered Mexico, police reported.

“The LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit has performed thorough witness interviews, examined video footage, and collaborated with local and federal law enforcement agencies throughout this investigation,” McDonnell explained. “Thus far, we have not found any evidence suggesting Kobayashi is a victim of trafficking or foul play. She is not a suspect in any criminal acts. Furthermore, investigators highlighted that prior to her departure from Maui, Kobayashi had indicated her wish to disconnect from modern communication.”

“Our main priority is ensuring Miss Kobayashi’s safety and well-being. We encourage Miss Kobayashi to get in touch with her family, law enforcement, or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to confirm her safety,” he advised. “While she has the right to her privacy and we respect her choices, we also recognize the anxiety her loved ones feel. A simple message could greatly reassure those who care about her.”

There was no immediate response from the family. A Facebook page set up for providing updates on the search was suspended the past weekend.

The well-publicized search effort by the family took a heartbreaking turn on November 24, when Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, aged 58, was found deceased. His body was discovered near an airport parking structure, from which it appears he may have jumped.

“After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life,” the family stated at that time. “This loss has added immeasurable pain to the family’s suffering.”