Family says dad ‘died of a broken heart’ in apparent suicide 2 weeks after daughter’s disappearance

Ryan Kobayashi was in Los Angeles to search for his missing daughter Hannah at the time of his death on Sunday, November 24

After many days of searching for my daughter Hannah Kobayashi’s father was found dead during the weekend in Los Angeles. While his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, his family tells PEOPLE they believe he committed suicide due to mental issues.

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

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

“We searched tirelessly,” says Pidgeon. “I think it was so overwhelming for him to drive down the streets and go to Skid Row and see where his daughter might have ended up.”

Pidgeon suspects that Ryan’s mental health was deteriorating as time went on.

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

On Sunday at 4:00 local time, Nob. On December 24, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a parking lot near LAX to conduct a death investigation.

A spokesperson previously told PEOPLE that law enforcement was called to the area for an “apparent suicide.” The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause of death, but information available online indicates that an examination has been scheduled.

The family confirms that the parking lot is close to the hotel where they are staying.

Never miss a story – sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to keep up with the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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

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

According to Pidgeon, the family wants to dispel any rumors that he had anything to do with their daughter’s disappearance and says they do not believe he was lured to his death. Police have not publicly charged anyone with a crime in Hannah’s case.

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

Despite the loss, the grieving family continues to search for Hannah, who went missing on November 11.

“We hold on to hope and turn to our community for help. We need you now more than ever,” reads a message shared by loved ones on the Facebook page dedicated to finding Hannah. “The search for our beloved Hannah must continue with the same love and determination that Ryan desired. We need your help, we need your strength.”

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

Pidgeon tells PEOPLE the family will also continue the search. “We’re still here,” he says. “We are a family coping as best we can despite two tragedies. So please be nice.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line to 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.