Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who went missing in Los Angeles, has been located safely, according to police reports released on Wednesday. Her disappearance had sparked a large-scale search and led to a missing persons investigation.
Kobayashi, who vanished last month, missed her connecting flight while in Los Angeles. Initially, she planned to explore the city, sending text updates to her family. However, when those messages became infrequent and alarming, her family reported her missing on November 11. Police indicated earlier that she had gone missing of her own accord and crossed into Mexico.
The Los Angeles Police Department expressed relief at the news of her safe return, stating, “We are happy to learn that Hannah has been found safe.” They also mentioned that the matter will now be handled privately.
Kobayashi’s family released a statement expressing their deep gratitude for her safe recovery. They described the last month as a harrowing experience and requested privacy to begin healing. “Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us,” they added.
Prior to her disappearance, Kobayashi, an aspiring photographer from Maui, was traveling to New York City for a job opportunity and to see relatives. After missing her flight at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8, she communicated with her family about staying at the airport and visiting tourist spots the following day. Their concerns grew when she sent them unsettling text messages, leading to her being reported missing.
Tragically, while the search was ongoing, Kobayashi’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, passed away during the ordeal. His death, ruled a suicide, added to the family’s heartache as they navigated the emotional turmoil of both his loss and the search for Hannah.
Police revealed that Hannah crossed into Mexico at the San Ysidro border the day after her family reported her missing, seeking respite from the pressures of modern life, according to Chief of Police Jim McDonnell. This highlights a growing understanding of how individuals can seek mental health breaks in ways that may concern loved ones.
In summary, while the past month has been challenging for the Kobayashi family, with the loss of Ryan and the distress surrounding Hannah’s disappearance, her eventual safe return is a hopeful development. It showcases the importance of communication and compassion during times of crisis, reminding everyone of the vital role support plays in overcoming difficult times. This resolution, hopefully, provides a pathway to healing for all involved.