Conspiracy theories in Hannah Kobayashi case from ‘cult brainwashing’ to useless dad

Several wild conspiracy theories have emerged in the wake of Hawaiian photographer Hannah Kobayashi’s disappearance.

Hannah, 30, went mysteriously missing after landing in Los Angeles International Airport to get a connecting flight to New York more than two weeks ago. Her father Ryan Kobayashi flew out to Los Angeles last week in a desperate bid to find his daughter but was found dead by police on Sunday (November 24), who believed the man had taken his own life.

In the wake of Ryan’s tragic death, some far fetched conspiracy theories are abounding. Hannah’s aunt Laura Pidgeon spoke to the New York Post yesterday (November 25), saying: “It’s bulls**t! It’s such bulls**t. If Ryan is looking at all this, imagine that weighing on him?”

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“He broke,” she told the publication. “He died of a broken heart. We were tirelessly searching, and Ryan was a big, giant teddy bear. He’s sensitive. Imagine looking in places like Skid Row, picturing his daughter being sex trafficked, not getting sleep. He just broke.”

Hannah had flown from Maui to Los Angeles on November 8 and was meant to be getting a connecting flight to New York City for a “bucket-list” trip to see family. She and an ex-boyfriend had the same travel plans and were reportedly on the same plane.

Unfortunately Hannah never made her second flight and bizarre text messages sent from her phone in the coming days aroused suspicion from loved ones. One read: “Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.”

Another read: “I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds … For someone I thought I loved.” Internet sleuths are now theorising her whereabouts on Reddit and in the comment section of her Instagram account.

Some have said she was brainwashed by cultists, such as the notorious Twin Flames group – the subject of the disturbing Netflix docuseries. Other people theorised she had been blackmailed by hackers, New York Post reports.

Another far-fetched theory is that she was fleeing her abusive father Ryan, something that was immediately shut down by her aunt Pidgeon. “It’s people wanting more out of the story than that the world is cruel and evil and a woman traveling alone can get taken in the blink of an eye,” Pidgeon said.

Pidgeon claims to believe her niece was kidnapped while trying to book a flight in Los Angeles, with the strange texts being sent either under duress or by the kidnapper.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.