Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Leaving U.S. for Mexico
Hannah Kobayashi has spoken out for the first time since going missing.
The Hawaii native broke her silence in a statement, confirming that she crossed the border from Mexico back into the U.S. in the morning of Dec. 15—which prompted police to close the month-long missing persons case that received national attention.
"I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away,” she wrote in a statement through her aunt Larie Pidgeon to NBC News, “and I am still processing it all.”
The 30-year-old—whose dad Ryan Kobayashi died by suicide while she was in Mexico, according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner—also shared what is next for her after returning home.
"My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity,” Hannah said. “I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.”
She added, “I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding."
Hannah’s family reported her missing Nov. 12 after last hearing from her on Nov. 11 following a missed flight connection to New York City, prompting authorities to search for her as a missing person.
Hannah Kobayashi/Instagram
LAPD later classified her as a “voluntary missing person” on Dec. 2 due to their discovery of footage that showed her entering Mexico on Nov. 12 in which she “appeared fine” and “was with nobody else,” according to police.
Her sister Sydni Kobayashi and mom Brandi Yee eventually made contact with Hannah, noting on Dec. 11 they were “incredibly relieved and grateful” that she had been “found safe” in Mexico.
Five days later, on Dec. 16, police announced in a statement to NBC News that “Hannah Kobayashi had presented herself on December 15, 2024, for entry into the US and appeared in good health” and that their missing persons case is now closed.
Keep reading for a look back through Hannah’s case.
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