Search for Missing Daughter Turns to Tragedy: Father Found Dead in Apparent Suicide

Dad Dies of Apparent Suicide Two Weeks After Daughter’s Disappearance, Family Says

Ryan Kobayashi, a 58-year-old man from Oregon, was found dead in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 24, after spending several days searching for his missing daughter, 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi. His family believes his death may have been a suicide triggered by overwhelming grief and mental health struggles.

“He died of a broken heart,” says Larie Pidgeon, 45, Ryan’s former sister-in-law and Hannah’s aunt.

Hannah Kobayashi went missing earlier this month after missing her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and sending alarming texts to loved ones. Since then, Ryan had joined family members in a desperate search for his daughter, including visiting areas like Skid Row, where he feared she might have ended up.

Pidgeon believes that as the search stretched on, Ryan’s emotional and mental health deteriorated. “We really want everyone to know that he fought so hard,” she said. “Imagine if it was your daughter.”

At around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Los Angeles police responded to a call from a parking lot near LAX where Ryan’s body was found. Authorities are investigating the death as an apparent suicide, but the cause has not been officially determined. The L.A. County Medical Examiner has scheduled an examination.

The family confirms that the parking lot where Ryan was found is near the hotel where they had been staying while searching for Hannah.

Pidgeon fondly remembers Ryan as “one of the kindest, most sensitive souls” she had ever known. “He was just so good,” she said, describing him as a “teddy bear.” She emphasized that Ryan had been deeply grateful for the support they received during the search for Hannah.

The family wants to clarify that there is no suspicion surrounding Ryan’s involvement in his daughter’s disappearance. “He wanted to do everything he could,” Pidgeon said. “He showed up when it mattered the most.”

Despite their devastating loss, the family is continuing the search for Hannah. “We are holding onto hope and turning to our community for help,” the family wrote in a message on a Facebook page dedicated to finding Hannah. “The search for our beloved Hannah must continue with the same love and determination that Ryan would have wanted. We need your help, we need your strength.”

Pidgeon added, “We’re still here. We’re a family doing the best we can now with two tragedies. So please be kind.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Visit 988lifeline.org for more information.

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