Before Seemingly Vanishing at L.A. Airport, Hannah Kobayashi Wanted to Disconnect from the World, Police Say

Mar. 15, 2025

Hannah Kobayashi.Photo:Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon

Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon

During apress conferenceon Monday, Dec. 2, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that, based on surveillance footage,Kobayashi appeared to voluntarily crossed the border into Mexicoon Nov. 12, a day after her family said her phone had last pinged at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). They added that at the moment, there is no evidence that the missing woman has been trafficked or is the victim of foul play.

“Additionally, the investigators noted that before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell at the conference.

LAPD Lt. Douglas Oldfield further explained to reporters their belief that Kobayashi wished to disconnect was based on authorities examining her past social media posts.

“We then saw indications that there were some desires or posts that would be consistent in somebody who would have the desire to disconnect from their phone,” Oldfield said, adding that, “We just know that she did not have her phone after she left LAX.”

LAPD officials discussing the Hannah Kobayashi case on Dec. 2, 2024.LAPD/Facebook

LAPD/Facebook

“For unknown reasons, she decided not to board her pre scheduled flight to New York,” the LAPD said in anews statement. “While she did check her bag through to New York, she requested her bag be sent back to her at LAX where we have surveillance footage of her retrieving it from the baggage carousel on November 11th.”

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Pidgeon told PEOPLE that on Nov. 11, Kobayashi’s family members began receiving text messages from their loved one saying, “I think someone’s trying to steal my identity. I’m really scared.”

Pidgeon also said that the messages were cryptic and uncharacteristic of her niece.

“Hannah speaks in emojis,” she said, adding, “Usually there’s a heart or flower or a fairy. That’s how she speaks. And these messages didn’t have a single emoji.”

The LAPD added that, based on further investigation, that Kobayashi “knowingly departed” LAX and headed for Union Station. There, police said, she used her passport to purchase a bus ticket for a destination in the vicinity of the Mexico border.

McConnell also said that Kobayashi “was alone, with her luggage and appeared unharmed.”

Meanwhile, the LAPD urged Kobayashi to contact her family or authorities to let them know she is alright.

“She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her,” said McDonnell at the press conference. “A simple message could reassure those who care about her.”

“We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah’s disappearance,” Kobayashi’s family said in a statement shared withNBC NewsandNewsNationfollowing the LAPD’s update.

They added, “Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely.”

PEOPLE contacted Pidgeon for additional comment.

source: people.com