Hannah Kobayashi, a woman from Hawaii who was the focus of a missing persons case in Southern California, has been found safe, according to her family. Their statement, released on Wednesday, expressed gratitude for her return but did not disclose specific details about her location or the circumstances of her safe recovery.
The family described the past month as an “unimaginable ordeal” and requested privacy as they begin to heal from the distressing experience. Prior to her disappearance, family members were investigating the possibility that Kobayashi might have been caught up in a green card marriage scam, although these claims have not been substantiated. A family lawyer has asked the public to refrain from making assumptions regarding a potential “secret marriage.”
Tragically, the family’s efforts to locate Kobayashi were overshadowed by the death of her father, who passed away by suicide shortly after making the trip to Los Angeles in search of her. Kobayashi, who aspired to be an artist, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8. She had intended to catch a connection to New York City to visit the Museum of Modern Art, but after missing her flight, she was reported missing five days later. Her family received a concerning message in which she expressed fear and suggested someone might be attempting to steal her identity.
Authorities discovered video footage revealing Kobayashi crossing into Mexico at a San Diego port of entry on November 12. They concluded that her actions were voluntary, indicating no evidence of trafficking or foul play. Investigators’ analysis of her social media suggested she may have been seeking to disconnect from her previous life.
The story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and crisis situations. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources and support are readily available, such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
In conclusion, while the past few weeks have been challenging for Kobayashi’s family, her safe return marks a pivotal moment for healing and hope.