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Hannah Kobayashi: American Woman Speaks Out Following Disappearance That Sparked Major Search Effort | US News


Hannah Kobayashi, initially reported missing by her family but later found safe, stated that she was “unaware of everything that was happening in the media”.

The 30-year-old traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles at the beginning of last month, planning to catch a flight to New York on 8 November but ended up missing her connection.

A search for the aspiring photographer commenced after her family reported that she had disappeared days later after sending them “alarming” messages. The Los Angeles Police Department took over the investigation on 15 November, according to NBC, Sky News’ US partner.

In an effort to locate her, Ms. Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, traveled to LA along with other family members and volunteers.

Tragically, in late November, he was found deceased in a parking lot near LA International Airport after taking his own life, as reported by police and family.

Hannah Kobayashi. Pic: Missing Persons of America
Image:
Ms. Kobayashi has now returned to America. Pic: Missing Persons of America

On 11 December, Ms. Kobayashi’s family announced that she had been “found safe”.

‘I am still processing it all’

In a statement released on Monday, shortly after her return, Ms. Kobayashi expressed: “I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all.”

She confirmed her return to the United States but did not provide additional details regarding her journey.

Ryan Kobayashi. Pic: PA
Image:
Ryan Kobayashi (centre). Pic: PA

“My focus now is on my healing, peace, and creativity,” her statement, issued through her aunt Larie Pidgeon, continued.

“I am profoundly grateful to my family and everyone who has extended kindness and compassion during this time.”

Throughout the search, police shared footage of Ms. Kobayashi seen entering Mexico, approximately 125 miles southeast of Los Angeles, on 12 November.

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Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated there was no evidence suggesting she had been trafficked or was a victim of a crime, categorizing her disappearance as a case of a “voluntary missing person.”

Ms. Pidgeon conveyed that her niece had intended to visit New York to explore museums and galleries as part of her aspiration to become an artist.



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