Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been found safe in the United States after a four-week disappearance that sparked a massive search effort. Kobayashi returned to the US after a brief stay in Mexico and is now focusing on her healing, peace, and creativity.
Kobayashi’s disappearance began on November 8, when she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui but did not board her connecting flight to New York. She then went radio silent for four days, during which time she was believed to have crossed the border into Mexico. Her family, including her father Ryan Kobayashi, who had traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to help search for her, were left frantically seeking answers.
Tragedy struck when Ryan Kobayashi was found dead on November 24, having taken his own life, according to the family and authorities. However, Hannah Kobayashi’s sister, Sydni, and mother, Brandi Yee, announced that she was “found safe” last week, and the family has requested privacy as they continue to heal and process their ordeal.
The Los Angeles Police Department has officially closed Kobayashi’s case and removed her from the Missing and Unidentified Persons System, after being notified by Customs and Border Protection that she had crossed the border in good health. The family had launched a GoFundMe campaign to help find Hannah, which raised over $47,000, but has since been shut down and donors who would like a refund can submit a claim.
Kobayashi has released a statement, saying she is unaware of the events that transpired during her disappearance and is grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to her and her family. She has asked for public respect as she and her family navigate their challenging time.
