After her disappearance in Mexico, Hannah Kobayashi returns to the US and is unaware of the extensive global media coverage surrounding her case.
On November 11, Kobayashi was reported missing after missing two flights from LAX to New York.
Authorities have confirmed that Hannah Kobayashi, a previously missing woman from Hawaii, has returned to the United States after being spotted crossing into Mexico on foot with a suitcase, as captured on surveillance footage.
"The LAPD announced that the missing persons case for Hannah Kobayashi has been closed after she presented herself on December 15, 2024, for entry into the US and appeared in good health, according to a statement from the department."
Larie Pidgeon, Kobayashi's aunt, recently shared a statement from Kobayashi with People magazine. Kobayashi stated that on December 15th at daybreak, he crossed the border back into the United States. His current focus is on his healing, peace, and creativity. Kobayashi expressed deep gratitude to his family and those who have shown him kindness and compassion during this time.
Koyabashi explained that she was unaware of the national media coverage surrounding her disappearance.
"I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away and am still processing it all. I kindly request respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding," the statement said, according to People.
In early November, Kobayashi, 30, disappeared after missing two flights from Los Angeles International Airport to New York City, where she intended to visit her aunt.
The LAPD officials concluded that Kobayashi intentionally missed both flights without any known reasons.
In December, the LAPD declared Kobayashi a voluntary missing person after reviewing surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that showed her crossing the border into Mexico on foot. She was carrying luggage and appeared unharmed.
Kobayashi's case attracted national attention due to concerns about her well-being and limited communication with loved ones.
On Dec. 11, prior to the LAPD's confirmation of Kobayashi's return to the US, criminal defense attorney Sara Azari released a statement on behalf of Kobayashi's family, stating that she had been found safe.
Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi expressed their relief and gratitude that Hannah has been found safe after a month of unimaginable ordeal. They kindly requested privacy to heal and process their experiences. They thanked everyone who supported them during this difficult time, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for their kindness and concern.
"Much like the public, the family is in the dark with the same unanswered questions." — Sara Azari
On Tuesday, Azari stated on behalf of Kobayashi's mother and sister that they lack information about how Kobayashi was found and the reason for her journey to Mexico.
Kobayashi's friends and family received a flurry of bizarre text messages after her missed flight, which did not match her usual cadence. She texted a friend that she "got tricked into pretty much giving away all my funds" and that she was tricked "for someone I thought I loved."
"She wrote that she was experiencing a spiritual awakening and was worried about the matrix. The text messages were the most bizarre, Pidgeon previously stated. It started with, 'Hi, I can't wait to see you guys. Love you. Everything's great.'"
On Nov. 24, Ryan Kobayashi, a 30-year-old man, died by suicide after jumping from a parking structure in Los Angeles while searching for a missing woman with his family.
According to Los Angeles Magazine, Kobayashi was a victim of an immigration scheme before disappearing. Her mother discovered documents in her daughter's Hawaii home that listed an immigration attorney, which she turned over to law enforcement.
Azari stated in a post on X that the family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information about a possible secret marriage, as they did not have the necessary facts or documents to verify the legitimacy of this information.
Planet Chronicle' Christina Coulter and Mollie Markowitz contributed to this report.
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