"I was completely unaware of everything happening in the media while I was away, and I'm still trying to process it all," said the 30-year-old from Hawaii in a statement.
By Bill Feather and Dennis Romero
Hannah Kobayashi, the 30-year-old Hawaii woman at the center of a high-profile search, is just now learning about the extensive media attention surrounding her disappearance after her family reported her missing last month.
In a statement shared Monday through her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, Kobayashi revealed that she returned to the U.S. from Mexico on Sunday.
“I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all,” she said. A resident of Maui, Kobayashi arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 but missed her connecting flight to New York City, according to family members.
Her family grew increasingly concerned a few days later when they lost contact with her, leading them to report her missing on November 13. The Los Angeles Police Department took over the investigation on November 15.
Security footage showed an unknown man with Kobayashi in Los Angeles, sparking concerns among relatives. However, police later confirmed that the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing. According to Pidgeon, Kobayashi had planned to travel to New York to visit museums and galleries in pursuit of her goal of becoming an artist.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated this month that evidence indicated Kobayashi may have intentionally remained in Los Angeles and cut off communication on her own. After missing her flight, police noted that she had her luggage rerouted back to Los Angeles International Airport. Additionally, investigators reviewed U.S. Customs and Border Protection video showing Kobayashi crossing into Mexico through the San Ysidro pedestrian crossing in San Diego at 12:13 p.m. on November 12.
While McDonnell emphasized that Kobayashi was free to travel, he encouraged her to contact her worried family members, many of whom had flown to Los Angeles from Hawaii and other locations to assist with the search.
Tragically, on November 24—after relatives had gathered in Los Angeles—her father died by suicide near Los Angeles International Airport, police confirmed.
Last week, Kobayashi’s family confirmed she was safe. Her mother and sister, who did not disclose when or where she was found, expressed relief and gratitude at her return.
In her statement Monday, Kobayashi said she returned to the U.S. at daybreak on Sunday but did not share further details about her journey.
“My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.”
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