A private investigator searching for missing Hannah Kobayashi has warned that she is in significant danger while traveling alone in Mexico, according to a report by The Post.
The 30-year-old aspiring photographer was reported missing by her family on Nov. 11 after missing a flight connection in Los Angeles and leaving the airport.
Authorities announced Monday that she was last seen on Nov. 12 heading into Mexico after taking a bus to the border, crossing into Baja California, a territory known for crime, murders, sex trafficking, and kidnappings in the last year.
Steve Fischer, the private investigator searching for Kobayashi, expressed concern about her safety, stating that being a single female traveling with a suitcase in Mexico could make her vulnerable to being taken advantage of. He believes she is in a fragile mental state.
Worrying texts from Kobayashi’s phone were sent to friends shortly before her disappearance, hinting at a possible spiritual awakening and identity theft. Despite this, Los Angeles police have evidence that she went to Mexico alone and is classified as a voluntary missing person.
Fischer believes she may have sought refuge in a surf community 50 miles south of Tijuana, where she could be among other nomads seeking a cheap place to stay.
Mexico, particularly the California-Mexico border, has been known for its dangers, including organized crime, violence, drugs, kidnappings, and murders. Traveling alone as a woman in these areas can be especially risky.
Paul Katz, another private investigator, mentioned the challenges of conducting a missing persons case in drug-ridden areas like Mexico and suggested that Kobayashi’s family work with a local investigator familiar with the territory.
Kobayashi’s family has not commented on the situation. She flew from Maui to Los Angeles on Nov. 8 with her ex-boyfriend but left LAX instead of taking her connecting flight to New York City. Authorities believe she disposed of her phone before heading to Mexico.
An ex-roommate who resided with Kobayashi in Maui suggested that her breakup with her ex-partner may have left her in a vulnerable state.
“There may be some underlying stress from the breakup,” the former roommate informed The Post, recalling a conversation where Kobayashi shared that her ex-boyfriend had a meltdown in front of her friends one evening.
Kobayashi’s ex-boyfriend did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
While there are speculations online suggesting that Kobayashi may be connected to the Twin Flames New Age spiritualism movement, which some consider a cult, another friend expressed doubts to The Post.
“I don’t think that aligns with the Hannah I knew. We spent time together in Maui. We had fun nights together. I feel like we were already on the same wavelength that I can’t understand why she would want to join a dangerous cult and leave with strangers.
“I also believe she is aware of how loved and supported she is. It’s not like her to worry people,” said Ariana Ursua, a 30-year-old freelancer who met Kobayashi in 2017.
