Hannah Kobayashi is a 31-year-old woman from Hawaii who has been missing since November 8, 2024. She grew up in Maui and was an aspiring photographer passionate about exploring new places and capturing the world through her lens. Her family described her as kind-hearted and adventurous.
What Happened to Hannah?
Hannah was traveling from Hawaii to New York when she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles on November 8. Initially, she had planned the trip with her then-boyfriend, but the two broke up before the journey. Despite their separation, they decided to continue the trip, planning to go their own ways after arriving in New York.
Hannah, however, never made it to New York. Her ex-boyfriend reportedly boarded the connecting flight, but Hannah stayed in Los Angeles for unknown reasons.
Family Receives Suspicious Messages
In the days following her missed flight, Hannah’s family and friends began receiving concerning text messages from her phone. These messages contained phrases like “I got hacked,” “Deep Hackers wiped my identity,” and “I’ve been on the streets.” The tone of these texts raised alarms, as they didn’t match Hannah’s usual way of speaking.
One message read, “I got tricked pretty much into giving away my funds for someone I thought I loved.” Another stated, “I got hacked, stripped of my identity, I can’t fly.” After November 11, her phone was turned off, leaving her family unable to contact her.
Surveillance Footage and Last Known Sightings
Hannah was last seen on November 11 near the Pico Metro station in downtown Los Angeles. Surveillance footage showed her with an unidentified person, and her family noted she appeared unwell. Before this, she had attended an event at The Grove shopping center in LA on November 9, where she was seen wearing headphones and walking around.
Her family filed a missing person’s report with the Los Angeles Police Department on November 12.
Family’s Growing Concerns
Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, expressed grave concerns about her niece’s safety, stating that the family suspects she might have been abducted or trafficked. Flyers and posters have been distributed across the area as the family conducts their own search efforts.
FBI Joins the Investigation
The FBI is now involved in the search for Hannah, working alongside the LAPD. Her family has been critical of the initial response from authorities, urging them to take the case more seriously.
Family’s Message to Hannah and Plea to Her Captor
Hannah’s family continues to hope for her safe return. They have sent heartfelt messages to her through the media, asking her to stay strong and letting her know that they are all waiting for her.
To anyone holding her, her aunt said, “Please give her back to us. No questions asked. Just don’t hurt her.”
Why This Case is Getting Attention
Hannah’s disappearance has gained widespread attention, not just from traditional media but also from social media platforms like TikTok. Amateur sleuths are analyzing her case and raising awareness, adding to the growing concern for her safety.
Physical Description
Hannah is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds. Her last known outfit was the same clothing she wore upon arriving from Maui.
The search for Hannah Kobayashi continues as her family, law enforcement, and the public come together to bring her home safely.