Hannah Kobayashi, the 30-year-old woman whose disappearance sparked widespread concern and media attention, has been found safe, her family revealed on Wednesday. An attorney representing the family issued a statement expressing their immense relief and gratitude for her safe return.
The family’s statement described the past month as an unimaginable ordeal and requested privacy as they begin to heal and process the events that transpired.
While details surrounding where and when she was located remain undisclosed, it was confirmed that Kobayashi has been in contact with her family.
Kobayashi went missing after leaving Hawaii on November 8, when she flew from Maui to Los Angeles with plans to visit her aunt in New York City but intentionally missed her connecting flight. Concerned by the subsequent bizarre text messages and unusual financial activity linked to her, her family initiated a massive search effort. This was further complicated by the tragic death of her father during this time.
Authorities classified the case as a voluntary missing person situation after discovering surveillance footage showing her crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on November 12. There were also speculations around her involvement in a marriage scam, fueled by various documents and a concerning text message in which she expressed feeling deceived into relinquishing her funds.
The family has chosen not to provide any additional details at this moment, and the LAPD has indicated that no further news conferences are planned regarding the case.
This development brings a hopeful conclusion to a difficult chapter for Hannah’s family, highlighting the importance of support and community during challenging times. As they move forward, it serves as a reminder of the resilience that individuals can exhibit, even in the face of distressing circumstances. The story also emphasizes the necessity of open communication in times of uncertainty.