Hannah Kobayashi issued a statement after returning to the US after being missing for a month.
As previously reported, Kobayashi, who was scheduled to fly from Los Angeles to New York, never boarded her plane, sparking a massive search effort.
On December 11, her family confirmed to the Daily Mail that Hannah had been found safe in Mexico after vanishing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 8.
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe,” the family stated. “This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”
Kobayashi’s case first gained attention in November when she sent alarming text messages to family members before vanishing.
The texts described financial distress and feelings of betrayal, with one message stating, “Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.”
Her family initially feared she had been kidnapped or fallen victim to human trafficking. Posters of Kobayashi were distributed in Los Angeles, and her father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled from Hawaii to assist with the search.
Tragically, Ryan died by suicide in Los Angeles on November 24, an event her family attributed to the emotional toll of her disappearance.
In a Facebook post, Hannah’s sister, Sydni Kobayashi, revealed that while the family has spoken to Hannah by phone, they have not seen her in person.
Sydni also shared that Hannah had chosen not to return to Hawaii at that time.
“We do not have actual proof of where she is, other than that she is somewhere in Mexico,” Sydni wrote per the New York Post. “We have only spoken to her over the phone, and she was allegedly found safe with [our aunt] Larie, but at this time, she does not wish to return to us.”
On Monday, December 16, Lt. Doug Oldfield of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit confirmed to PEOPLE that Kobayashi had reentered the U.S.
“[We] received notification that Hannah Kobayashi crossed yesterday – 12/15/2024,” Oldfield said, noting that her case is now closed.
He added that Kobayashi had spoken with Customs and Border Protection agents, “presented herself for entry into the U.S.,” and “appeared to be in good health” with no signs of distress.
Through a statement provided by her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, Kobayashi confirmed she has returned to the U.S.
“At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States,” the statement read.
Kobayashi expressed gratitude and a desire for privacy.
“My focus now is on my healing, my peace, and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.”
The Hawaii native also said she was unaware of the extensive media coverage surrounding her disappearance.
“I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding,” she concluded.
