AB
Hannah Kobayashi, the 31-year-old aspiring photographer from Hawaii who went missing last month in Mexico, has issued her first public statement since her disappearance, revealing that she was “unaware” of the intense media coverage surrounding her case.
Kobayashi vanished after missing a connecting flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to New York. Her family’s search efforts took a tragic turn when her father, 58-year-old Ryan Kobayashi, who had traveled to Los Angeles to help find her, was found dead on November 24 in an apparent suicide in a parking lot near LAX.
Over the course of several weeks, a number of sightings and cryptic messages surfaced, leading authorities to confirm that Hannah had crossed into Mexico on November 12. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that Hannah’s disappearance was voluntary and refuted any speculation about her involvement in human trafficking or foul play.
Last week her family revealed she was found safe, but are yet to see her in person. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, shared that they are still uncertain of Hannah’s exact whereabouts, except that she is currently in Mexico.
Through her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, Hannah provided a statement to US News outlet PEOPLE. She explained that she re-entered the United States on December 15, saying, “My focus now is on my healing, my peace, and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.
I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time.”
Despite the relief her family feels that she is safe, Sydni Kobayashi described the emotional toll of the past month. “The past 31 days have been absolute hell for us,” she said, expressing mixed feelings of exhaustion, devastation, and betrayal. She added that although they are relieved to know Hannah is alive, they are still struggling with the uncertainty and trauma of the situation and expects the public to respect their privacy and offer them grace for a moment as they are still grieving.
“There is still so much unknown, and so much that still needs to be navigated”. She added.
The LAPD has officially closed the case, confirming that Hannah voluntarily returned to the U.S. and was processed by Customs and Border Protection upon re-entry.
Timeline of Hannah Kobayashi’s Disappearance:
November 08:
Kobayashi misses her flight from Los Angeles to New York. Her family receives concerning texts about potential identity theft and grows alarmed, prompting them to report her missing. A widespread search ensues, with multiple reported sightings and her father traveling from flying from Maui to LA and multiple alleged sightings reported. During their investigation, police dismissed speculation Kobayashi was involved in any type of criminal activity.
November 24:
Ryan Kobayashi was tragically found dead at 4.00am with his body discovered in a parking structure near LAX and the authorities believe it to be a suicide. A family statement at the time said: “The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today. After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably. “What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts. The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family’s pillar and navigating next steps.”
November 26:
The LAPD declares that they believe Hannah’s disappearance was voluntary, a claim that her family disputes.
December 02:
The LAPD reclassifies the case, now considering Hannah a voluntary missing person after confirming she crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.
December 11:
Authorities confirm that Hannah has been found “safe and well” in Mexico, providing a sense of relief to her family.
December 15:
Hannah returns to the United States, and the LAPD closes the case after confirming her re-entry.
While Hannah’s case has concluded from a law enforcement perspective, the emotional journey for her family is far from over. They continue to seek privacy as they process the overwhelming events of the past month, acknowledging the toll it has taken on them all.
