Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

As a seasoned observer of human drama unfolding, I find myself deeply moved by the heart-wrenching story of Hannah Kobayashi and her family. The intricate tapestry of emotions – hope, fear, determination, despair – that weaves through their lives is nothing short of extraordinary.

Hannah Kobayashi’s mystifying missing person case has come to a close. 

Approximately a month following the Hawaiian woman’s loved ones reporting her missing in Los Angeles due to complications during her scheduled trip to New York, they affirm that they have managed to reach out to her.

Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah’s sister, and Brandi Yee, their mother, expressed deep relief and gratitude upon learning that Hannah has been found safe. In a statement released to NBC News, they asked for privacy during this difficult time, as they need space to heal and come to terms with the ordeal they have experienced over the past month.

A week ago, the police department in Los Angeles classified the 31-year-old as a person who went missing voluntarily, and now, an update from her family has been received.

The family’s message ended with a sincere appreciation to all who stood by them in tough times. Your compassion and care have truly touched our hearts.

Following the authorities’ determination that Hannah, who had last been in touch with her family a month prior after failing to catch her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York, was seen on LAPD security footage entering Mexico on Dec 2, the family voiced their “frustration” and urged Hannah to get in touch.

Sydni emphasized repeatedly in her message that her sister is deeply cherished and has a strong network of support. She expressed concern for her wellbeing, assuring her that no matter the circumstances, there will always be a welcoming refuge available.

A few days afterwards, it was announced by the Kobayashi family that rumors suggesting Hannah’s participation in a green card marriage scam were unfounded.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

The family’s legal representative stated on Dec 5th to NewsNation that they have not verified any claims about a supposed marriage, as they lacked the required evidence or documents. The family has not authenticated the images or the truthfulness of the reported details about a potential secret union. This is just one of several leads we are currently investigating with our attorney and investigative team.

Weeks following the discovery of his suicide in Los Angeles, reports indicate that Hannah has reconnected with her family, as her father Ryan Kobayashi was missing for 16 days prior.

During this challenging situation, Hannah’s family released a message asking for unity. They expressed that what they need most from everyone at this time is support, kindness, and prayers.

Keep reading for everything that unfolded amid Hannah’s missing person case.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

On November 8th, Hannah Kobayashi boarded a plane from Maui and traveled to Los Angeles with the intention of transferring onto another flight bound for New York’s JFK International Airport, as reported by the Los Angeles police department.

According to the Los Angeles Times, as reported by Hannah’s sister, Sydni Kobayashi, the two were booked on the same flight, but due to circumstances, they wouldn’t be able to get a refund on their seats. However, they had decided to part ways upon landing in New York City where Hannah was headed for a concert and a photography assignment.

Hannah didn’t get on the plane leaving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to a statement from the LAPD. Despite this, her luggage was checked all the way to her final location. She asked for it to be returned to LAX instead.

Surveillance video reviewed by police showed the 30-year-old picking up her bag at LAX on Nov. 11.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

When Hannah reached Los Angeles, on November 9th, she dropped by the Taschen bookstore located at The Grove shopping center and sent a photo of a book to a family member. Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, shared this information with the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, Hannah provided her Maui address when filling out a newsletter form.

According to Larie, a family member who had journeyed from Maui in search of her niece Hannah, they traced her location using photos to Taschen and subsequently verified with the staff there that Hannah indeed visited.

On November 10th, Hannah went to the LeBron XXII Trial Experience at The Grove’s Nike store and shared a picture of Jordan-styled shoes that same day. She tagged the LA Times and identified her location as “City of Angels, Los Angeles CA.” (Informal: Hannah visited The Grove’s Nike store for the LeBron XXII Trial Experience on Nov 10th and posted a pic of Jordan-like shoes, mentioning LA Times and stating she was in ‘City of Angels, LA’)

According to Larie, it appears she spent time near The Grove. It’s quite a popular spot with numerous stores, bookshops, and museums, making us believe she was there for sightseeing purposes and found the area secure.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

According to Larie, Hannah’s text messages to her family appeared regular, with complaints about not managing to secure another flight quickly included among them.

However, as reported by the Times, on November 11, Larie went on to say that Hannah had expressed concern about her identity and savings being stolen. Following this message, no one managed to contact her.

Larie mentioned that she was employing terms such as ‘hon’ and ‘darling’, and expressed concern about someone attempting to misappropriate her resources. However, this isn’t typical of her behavior. Her choice of words seemed unusual, which led the family to raise an alert.

Larie informed KTLA that she received “mysterious, obscure messages, concerning the matrix, which was completely out of character for her.” Following this, there was “a sudden cessation of contact.

Hannah’s phone was last active at 4 p.m. on November 11th, specifically at LAX airport, as reported by the police, when they believe she retrieved her luggage.

Her family reported her missing the following day.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

It was announced by Hannah’s relatives on the 18th of November that they had come across security camera recordings showing her disembarking from a train at the Pico Metro Station, which is close to Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, at around 10 p.m. on the 11th of November.

It’s clear from their Facebook post that Hannah doesn’t seem well, and they mentioned that she isn’t by herself.

Police reports indicate that Hannah traveled to Union Station, roughly a 3-mile distance from the arena, and bought a bus ticket with her passport for a location close to the California-Mexico border using it.

On November 12th, the police stated that she got on a bus destined for San Ysidro, which is frequently referred to as the “Entrance to America,” given its status as the southernmost city in California and a commonly used crossing point into the United States.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

On November 21, relatives held a gathering and distributed leaflets close to the downtown area where Hannah was last spotted.

At the gathering, Aunt Larie requested, “Don’t cease mentioning Hannah Kobayashi’s name, everyone, as reported by KTLA. Our whole family is present, and the world is in search of her. If you can and if it’s possible, please contact us. We are not angry.

Hannah’s dad, Ryan Kobayashi, expressed, “She’s a lovely girl, both inside and out. If there’s any way to connect with her, please do.

He told NBC4 at the rally, “It’s every parents’ nightmare. We don’t know where to start, where to begin. It’s like a grain of sand in the ocean.”

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

On November 24th, as reported by the authorities who were called to the scene at approximately 4 a.m., Ryan Kobayashi, a visitor from Maui searching for Hannah, tragically leaped from a parking garage near LAX. The incident occurred in the 6100 block of Century Boulevard.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s findings, Ryan experienced numerous severe injuries from blunt impacts, and his death was determined to be a suicide.

Ryan expressed to NBC4 at the November 21 rally that it’s every parent’s worst fear, stating, “We’re lost, we don’t have a clue where to even start. It feels like one small worry among countless others.

According to a statement from the RAD Movement, a charitable organization that supports families of the missing, it was mentioned that Ryan spent 13 days in Los Angeles looking for his daughter.

The family’s pain from this loss has been greatly magnified, the group asserted, adding that it is essential for all to stay alert in our search for Hannah, who is still missing.

Larie stated to the Los Angeles Times that it was unfair and necessary to stop the conjecture suggesting Ryan played a role in Hannah’s disappearance, as he had tragically passed away from a broken heart.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Mexico

On December 2nd, it was confirmed by the LAPD that Hannah was last seen crossing the border from San Ysidro into Mexico on November 12th, traveling independently with her own baggage.

Upon delving into my investigative duties as a lifestyle expert, I found myself traversing the international border on December 1st. There, I scrutinized footage captured by the esteemed U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which vividly depicted the individual in question walking towards Mexico, according to the authorities’ account.

As per the LAPD, Hannah is currently being classified as someone who has willingly gone missing, as there’s no indication that she’s involved in any criminal activities, and neither the ongoing investigation nor the available evidence suggests human trafficking or suspicious circumstances.

Speaking personally, I continue to hold onto optimism, believing that my loved one, Hannah, is secure somewhere. I’m persistently searching for any sign of her whereabouts.

They stated on December 3rd, “Our efforts in locating her are certainly not finished, and we remain dedicated to taking all necessary steps to bring Hannah back home safely. We yearn for clarity and a resolution that prioritizes Hannah’s safety. We encourage law enforcement, as well as the public, to keep their focus on finding Hannah and to refrain from jumping to premature conclusions based on speculation.

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2024-12-12 00:18