Father ‘died of a broken heart’ after daughter’s disappearance, family says

After days of searching for his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi’s father was found dead over the weekend in Los Angeles. Although the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his family tells PEOPLE they believe he committed suicide during a mental health emergency.

“He died of a broken heart,” said Larie Pidgeon, 45.

Ryan Kobayashi, 58, had recently retired and joined his extended family in the search for his 30-year-old daughter, who disappeared earlier this month after missed her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and sending ‘alarming’ text messages to loved ones.

“We searched tirelessly,” says Pidgeon. “I think it just became so overwhelming for him to drive through the streets, go to Skid Row and see where his daughter could have possibly ended up.”

Pidgeon suspects that Ryan’s mental health “continues to deteriorate” as time goes on.

“We really want everyone to know that he fought so hard,” she added. “Imagine if it was your daughter.”

Sunday at 4 a.m. local time, Nob. On September 24, Los Angeles Police responded to a parking lot near LAX for a death investigation.

A spokesperson previously told PEOPLE that law enforcement was called to the area for “an apparent suicide.” The LA County Medical Examiner has not yet determined a cause of death, but online records indicate an investigation is planned.

The family confirms that the parking lot is close to the hotel where the family stayed.

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Pidgeon remembers her brother-in-law as “one of the kindest, most sensitive souls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

“He was just so good,” she says. “He was a teddy bear. Throughout this process, he thanked everyone endlessly with gratitude and love.”

The family wants to dispel any rumors that he had anything to do with his daughter’s disappearance and say they do not believe he was lured to his death, according to Pidgeon. Police have not publicly accused anyone of wrongdoing in Hannah’s case.

“He wanted to do everything he could,” Pidgeon tells PEOPLE of Ryan. “He showed up when it mattered most.”

Despite the loss, the grieving family continues to search for Hannah, who has been missing since November 11.

“We hold on to hope and turn to our community for help. Now we need you more than ever,” read a post shared by loved ones 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.”

“She is still here, and we believe we can bring her home together,” the message continued.

Pidgeon tells PEOPLE the family will also continue to search. “We’re still here,” she says. “We are a family doing our best now, despite two tragedies. So please be kind.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, text ‘STRENGTH’ to the Crisis Text Line on 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org.