HONOLULU – After an extensive search that captured national attention, 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe, according to an announcement made by her family on Wednesday.
The family expressed their immense relief and gratitude in a statement delivered by their attorney. “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. 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,” they conveyed.
Details about the circumstances surrounding her discovery remain limited, although the attorney confirmed that Kobayashi has made contact with her family.
The timeline of her disappearance began on November 8, when she flew from Maui to Los Angeles with intended plans to visit her aunt in New York City. However, she did not board her connecting flight, leading authorities to determine that she had intentionally missed it.
Concerns escalated as unusual text messages and financial transactions raised alarms among her family. Tragically, this search was marked by the death of her father, adding depth to the emotional toll on the family.
The Los Angeles Police Department categorized her disappearance as a voluntary missing persons case after surveillance footage showed Kobayashi crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on November 12. Speculation arose regarding her involvement in a possible marriage scam, evidenced by a mysterious text message that indicated she had been deceived into giving away her funds.
As the family begins to heal from this challenging experience, they are keeping further details private, and the LAPD has no immediate plans for news conferences.
This story reflects the resilience of families facing distressing situations and the importance of community support during challenging times. The safe return of Hannah Kobayashi serves as a beacon of hope and highlights the need for understanding and compassion during personal crises.