Family insists Hannah Kobayashi did not willingly disappear

In early November 2024, Hannah Kobayashi, a 31-year-old artist from Hawaii, traveled to Los Angeles on her way to visit her aunt in New York. On November 8, she arrived in Los Angeles but missed her connecting flight scheduled for November 9. Her family grew concerned after she sent a series of alarming text messages beginning on November 11, indicating that she felt threatened and believed someone was trying to steal her identity. Four days later, on November 12, she was spotted on surveillance footage crossing into Tijuana, Mexico, alone, which the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) concluded was a voluntary act. However, her family strongly disagreed with this assessment, stating that the evidence did not support the notion that she had intentionally gone missing. They noted that several of her last messages seemed uncharacteristic, as they lacked the emojis and tone she typically used. This discrepancy led friends and family to speculate that the texts might have been sent by someone else or under duress. Authorities later indicated that if she re-entered the U.S., her passport would alert officials. Adding to the family's tragedy, her father took his own life shortly after the news of her disappearance became public. The Kobayashis remain hopeful for her safe return and are committed to raising awareness about her case while the investigation continues.