Friends of Hannah Kobayashi, a photographer from Hawaii who has gone missing, are raising concerns about a series of text messages they received after her disappearance. They believe these messages do not sound like her typical communication style.
Ariana Ursua, a friend of Kobayashi since 2017, stated that the texts lack the playful emojis and distinctive tone that Kobayashi usually employs. “Hannah is known for her expressive messages, often filled with hearts, stars, and other cheerful symbols. That’s why these texts feel off,” Ursua remarked.
Ursua described Kobayashi as a genuine free spirit who wouldn’t just vanish without letting anyone know. “She’s the kind of person who would take the time to say goodbye at a party. It doesn’t fit her character to just go dark like this,” she explained.
Kobayashi was last in touch with her family on November 11, when she informed her mother that she had not arrived in New York as planned. Prior to that, she had flown from Maui to Los Angeles on November 8 and was scheduled to catch a connection to New York City shortly after.
There are troubling reports surrounding her last known locations. It was revealed that on November 9, Kobayashi was spotted at a bookstore about an hour from Los Angeles International Airport, which fueled speculation that missing her flight was a deliberate choice. The police have suggested that her decision to miss the connecting flight may have been intentional, though the reasoning remains unclear.
Friends and family have expressed concern over certain words used in the texts sent from her phone. Kobayashi’s former roommate, Allisa Peterson, noted it was unusual for her to use terms like “hun” in such a serious context, describing those messages as feeling cryptic.
Compounding the tragedy, just days after his daughter was reported missing, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide near the airport while searching for her. This devastating loss has deeply affected the family and the community, amplifying their desire to find out what happened to her.
Since her last communication, speculation has swirled online, with some suggesting she may have been influenced by negative forces or involved in dangerous situations. However, those close to her continue to hold hope that she will be found safe. “What we are getting from her doesn’t feel like the Hannah we know,” Ursua said. “I just want to believe she’s still out there.”
As the search continues, the Kobayashi family and friends are appealing for any information that might help in locating Hannah. In these difficult times, their strength and resilience shine through as they hope for her return.
