Hannah Kobayashi, a woman from Hawaii, who had been missing after her father tragically took his own life due to her disappearance, has been “found safe,” according to her family and police.
The 30-year-old, a budding photographer from Maui, flew to Los Angeles early last month with plans to catch a connecting flight to New York on November 8, but missed the connection. A few days later, she vanished after sending “alarming” text messages to her family.
Her father, Ryan, traveled to Los Angeles to search for her, with the help of other family members and volunteers. Tragically, in late November, he was found dead in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport after taking his own life, as confirmed by both police and his family.
After an extensive search, the Los Angeles Police Department reclassified Hannah as a voluntary missing person. Authorities revealed that surveillance footage showed she crossed the border into Mexico on November 12, and they ceased the search after confirming her independent travel.
Police stated that she used cash and her passport to buy a bus ticket at Union Station in Los Angeles, which took her to the southern U.S. border, where she crossed on foot into Tijuana, Mexico.
Before all communication ceased, Hannah sent unusual text messages to her family, expressing fears for her safety and concerns that someone was trying to steal her identity. Initially, her family worried she might be a victim of human trafficking.
However, police found no evidence of foul play or trafficking. “She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those she cares about,” said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell.
On Wednesday evening, Hannah’s family released a statement confirming she had been “found safe.” The Los Angeles Police Department also confirmed this development.
In their statement, signed by Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi, the family expressed immense relief and gratitude: “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. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”
The LAPD also expressed its relief, stating, “Now that we have this new information, this has become a private matter, and we will wrap up our investigation.”
