Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman whose disappearance at LAX sparked a weeks-long search for the city, has spoken out for the first time since returning to the US from Mexico, according to a statement released by her family.
“On the morning of December 15, I crossed the border back into the United States,” Kobayashi said in a statement provided by his aunt, Larie Pidgeon.
“I am focused on my healing, my peace and my creativity. I am very grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.”
In a statement, Kobayashi said he did not hear about media coverage of his family reporting him missing until he returned.
“I didn’t know about everything that happened in the media while I was away, I’m still processing everything. I am asking for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I go through this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding,” he wrote.
Kobayashi disappeared after missing her flight to New York on November 8 at LAX, her family said. He reportedly went missing after his family said he sent them secret messages revealing his identity and the stolen money.
The investigation culminated in the Los Angeles Police Department describing him as a “voluntarily missing person,” saying there was no evidence of criminal activity and video showing him crossing the border into Mexico. The LAPD also said it does not believe Kobayashi is a victim of trafficking or foul play.
Police officials said they received notification from Customs Border Protection that Kobayashi returned to the US from Mexico on Sunday and “appeared to be in good health,” according to a department news release. The case was closed, and Kobayashi was removed from the missing and unidentified persons program.
Kobayashi’s family refuted the official police narrative that their loved one was walking alone, insisting he was still missing.
Officials said on Nov. 12, the 30-year-old used money and his passport to get a bus ticket to Union Station to reach the San Ysidro border, where he crossed into Mexico through the tunnel.
Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to help search for his daughter. His body was found Nov. 24 near LAX; authorities ruled his death a suicide.
Kobayashi’s disappearance was the second case in which a woman was reported missing by her family to the LAPD and their statements conflicted with police accounts.
“Gossip Girl” actress Chanel Banks was reported missing by her family in November before police revealed she was found safe in Texas.
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