Hannah Kobayashi has finally been found safe after she “walked into Mexico and vanished.” Police are calling the case a “voluntary disappearance” after Kobayashi was reported missing on Nov. 11.
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Hannah’s mother, Brandi Yee, and sister, Sydni Kobayashi, spoke with People after Hannah was found.
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe,” they said. “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,” they continued. “Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”
Lt. Doug Oldfield, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s missing persons unit explained that they do not know when, where, or how Hannah got in contact with her family. They were notified that Hannah was found by the family’s attorney, Sara Azari.
The family also experienced another tragic loss while Hannah was missing, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide on Nov. 24th. Hannah’s aunt, Pidgeon, said that Ryan “died of a broken heart.”
What to Know About Hannah Kobayashi’s Disappearance
The family reported a missing person after Hannah missed her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York City. Hannah’s phone was left at Los Angeles International Airport at the time, but it’s unclear why. Hannah’s family also reported that she was sending “strange and concerning texts” before her flight.
During her disappearance, the family feared that Hannah was kidnapped or possibly fell victim to sex trafficking.
“I can’t stress enough how loved you are, how supported you are,” Sydni said. “We’re really worried about you. No matter what situation you’re in, you always have a home to come to.”
“I think the thing that we fear the most is you hear all of these stories of trafficking and women that travel alone, they get drugged or—just some random person can come up and take advantage of them, so that’s our biggest fear,” she continued. “We can’t discount anything at this point.”
On Dec. 1, police discovered video footage at the southern boarder, which showed Hannah “with a gray backpack and pink rolling suitcase, entering Tijuana alone and not under visible distress.”
The family insisted that Hannah’s disappearance was not voluntary, telling the police that they would conduct their own search.
“We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know that she is safe,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated on Dec. 2. “She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand that the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her.”