Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who went missing last month and was later found to have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into Tijuana, has publicly addressed her situation for the first time. In a statement sent from her aunt’s phone, the 30-year-old shared that she returned to the United States on Sunday and is now focusing on her personal healing and wellbeing.
Kobayashi expressed her gratitude for the support and compassion she received from her family and the community during this challenging time. She noted, “At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States. My focus now is on my healing, my peace, and my creativity.” She further requested privacy for herself and her loved ones as she processes what has transpired.
Following her return, the Los Angeles Police Department announced the closure of the missing person case after Customs and Border Protection confirmed her re-entry into the U.S. and confirmed that she appeared to be in good health. Kobayashi was reported missing on November 11 after she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Hawaii but missed her connection to New York. LAPD later classified her case as voluntary when footage showed her willingly crossing into Mexico.
The incident garnered significant media attention and led to a fundraising campaign to support the search efforts. Following Kobayashi’s return, her family announced that they would reimburse donors of the GoFundMe page used for the search.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated in early December that the investigation had not uncovered any evidence of foul play or trafficking, which provides some reassurance to those concerned about her wellbeing. During the investigation, it was revealed that Kobayashi had left her phone behind after departing from LAX and had expressed a desire to disconnect from modern technology.
This situation highlights the importance of being aware of mental health and personal boundaries in today’s fast-paced society. Kobayashi’s story, while distressing at times, offers a hopeful reminder of the value of support from loved ones during difficult periods. As she navigates her journey towards healing, the understanding and respect from the community are vital in her recovery process.