Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been officially termed “voluntarily missing” after she was last seen crossing into Mexico from the United States, according to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Kobayashi was reported missing last month when her family lost contact with her after her arrival in Los Angeles from Hawaii. She was expected to catch a connecting flight to New York but deliberately missed it, as captured by US immigration video footage. Subsequently, she was documented crossing on foot into Mexico, leading authorities to conclude that her disappearance was voluntary.
At a recent news conference, LAPD officials confirmed that video evidence showed Kobayashi crossing the southern border safely without any signs of distress, and there is no indication of foul play involved in her case. Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the investigation has revealed no evidence of human trafficking or any criminal activity associated with her disappearance. In fact, Kobayashi had expressed an interest to disconnect from modern communication methods before leaving Maui.
Despite the police’s conclusions, Kobayashi’s family remains worried about her safety. They contest the assertion that she missed her flight on purpose and express a desire for more detailed communication regarding the situation. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, voiced the family’s concerns, emphasizing their hope for continued efforts by law enforcement to locate her.
Tragically, the situation took a grave turn when Kobayashi’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled to California to assist in the search and later died by suicide near the Los Angeles airport. The LA coroner’s office reported that he succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries. This development has added to the family’s anguish and concern for Hannah Kobayashi’s wellbeing.
As the LAPD continues its efforts, Hannah Kobayashi’s case underlines the complexities surrounding missing person cases, especially when family members and authorities present differing narratives. The situation remains a deeply personal and challenging issue for Kobayashi’s family.
Source: BBC
