Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaiian native who had been missing for a month, has finally broken her silence.
In a statement, she confirmed that she had crossed the border from Mexico back into the United States on the morning of December 15, leading to the closure of the high-profile missing persons case that had gripped the nation.
According to NBC News, Kobayashi expressed her surprise at the media attention her disappearance had garnered. "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, she stated, and I am still processing it all. The 30-year-old's father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life while she was in Mexico, as reported by the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner.
In her statement, Kobayashi also shed light on her plans post her return. "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity, she said. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time. She further requested respect for her and her family as they navigate through this challenging period.
The Kobayashi family had reported Hannah missing on November 12, after they last heard from her on November 11, following a missed flight connection to New York City. This prompted a nationwide search for her. The Los Angeles Police Department later reclassified her as a voluntary missing person on December 2, after discovering footage of her entering Mexico on November 12, where she appeared fine and was with nobody else, as per the police.
Kobayashi's mother, Brandi Yee, and sister, Sydni Kobayashi, were able to make contact with her on December 11. They expressed their relief and gratitude that she had been found safe in Mexico. On December 16, the police announced to NBC News that Hannah Kobayashi had presented herself for entry into the US on December 15, 2024, and appeared in good health, leading to the closure of their missing persons case.
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