Father of missing Hawaii woman found dead near LAX amid desperate search for daughter

The search for missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi has taken a devastating turn after her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) early Sunday morning. 

Ryan had traveled to Los Angeles to help locate his 30-year-old daughter, who disappeared following a stopover at LAX on November 8 during her journey from Hawaii to New York City.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the death of 58-year-old Ryan Kobayashi, who was found in a parking lot near 6151 W. Century Blvd. around 4 a.m. on Sunday. 

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but a statement from the nonprofit organization aiding the family, RAD Movement, suggested that Ryan had taken his own life.

“The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today,” the statement read. “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.”

The organization urged the public to focus on the ongoing search for Hannah, emphasizing that she remains in imminent danger. 

Hannah was last seen on November 11 near a Metro station in downtown Los Angeles with an unidentified individual.

Friends and family received cryptic messages from her in the days following her disappearance, with her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, sharing that Hannah mentioned feeling scared and worried about someone trying to steal her money and identity.

Ryan had been vocal in media interviews, expressing hope for Hannah’s safe return. “We’re just hoping that she is safe and healthy and alive,” he said earlier this month. “And if anybody knows anything, we’d just really appreciate any kind of help.”

Hannah’s family continues to plead for information, with Larie Pidgeon addressing her niece directly last week. “Hannah, we love you. We are all here. Your mom's here, your sister's here, your father's here. The entire world is looking for you,” she said.