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By Marni Rose McFall
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What's New
Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman whose disappearance sparked a frantic search, has issued a statement after she was found safe.
Kobayashi has said that she is focused on her peace and healing and has expressed gratitude to her family, but major questions remain about her disappearance.
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Newsweek has reached out to Hannah Kobayashi's attorney outside of normal working hours for comment.
Why It Matters
Kobayashi, 30, flew from Maui to Los Angeles on November 8. She then missed a connecting flight to New York City. After she had missed the flight, her family reportedly received "alarming" text messages from her.
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Kobayashi's father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to assist in the search for his missing daughter.
He was found dead on November 24, two weeks after Hannah's disappearance, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death as a suicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries, leaving his family devastated.
On December 2, Kobayashi was declared a voluntary missing person after police reviewed footage of her in Mexico. She was then found on December 2.
What To Know
In a statement shared with NBC, Hannah said: "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time."
She continued: "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding."
A statement shared with Newsweek by the family's attorney, Sara Azari, said, "We have no information on why she disappeared, what she did during that time, or what her plans are moving forward. Hannah has not shared any of this with her immediate family."
Though it has now been confirmed that Hannah Kobayashi is safe and reportedly back in the U.S., questions remain about her disappearance, including:
- Why did she leave?
- What did she do when she was there?
- Why didn't she immediately return?
- Did she know about the search while she was in Mexico?
- When did she become aware that people were looking for her, and how long after that did she contact her family?
- Has she been made aware of her father's death?
- When did she hear about her father's death?
- Why didn't her family go to meet her at the airport?
Kobayashi's family previously said in a statement that they were "incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe."
The statement continued: "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.
"We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us."
It is unclear at this time if Hannah Kobayashi will go on to address the ongoing questions surrounding her disappearance.
A GoFundMe was set up in an effort to find Hannah and to help cover her father's funeral costs. The fundraiser has raised nearly $50,000. Since Hannah was found, there have been accusations that the GoFundMe was a scam.
The Kobayashi family has said they will "honour" refund requests from anyone who contributed toward the search for the formerly missing woman.
What People Are Saying
Following news that Hannah Kobayashi had been found safe, sentiment on social media has turned negative toward the young woman.
Many are accusing Kobayashi of being a scammer, and others say charges should be brought against her.
What Happens Next
In time, more details may emerge about the case, whether from Hannah herself or the wider Kobayashi family. At this time, it is clear that the family wants to take some time and privacy to process the events that have passed since Hannah first went missing.
Update: 12/17/24, 12:18 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Sara Azari.
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