Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Hawaii woman who disappeared after missing a flight in Los Angeles last month, has been found safe, her family announced Wednesday.
In a statement released through their attorney, Kobayashi’s mother Brandi Yee and sister Sydni Kobayashi expressed relief at her discovery but provided no details about when or where she was located.
The case gained attention after Kobayashi, an aspiring artist, landed at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 for a connecting flight to New York City, where she had planned to visit the Museum of Modern Art. Los Angeles Police Department investigators later determined she had crossed into Mexico through a San Diego land port on November 12.
Prior to her disappearance, Kobayashi sent concerning messages to her family suggesting someone might be attempting to steal her money and identity. However, police officials found no evidence of human trafficking or foul play, stating she had intentionally missed her flight. Lt. Douglas Oldfield of the LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit noted that a review of her social media accounts indicated “desires or posts that would be consistent in somebody who would have the desire to disconnect.”
The search took a tragic turn when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, 58, died by suicide in Los Angeles on November 24 while participating in search efforts.
Recent developments in the investigation included allegations of a possible green card marriage scam, though family attorneys cautioned against speculation, stating they had been unable to verify claims about a potential “secret marriage.”
“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,” the family statement read. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
