By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-11 20:31:53 | Updated at 2024-12-24 17:08:44
1 week ago
Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe and is back in touch with her family, loved ones have revealed.
The Hawaii woman contacted her relatives Wednesday to tell them she is fine, according to a statement shared with DailyMail.com.
'We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe,' the statement said.
'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.'
Kobayashi vanished at LAX November 8 while traveling from her home in Hawaii to NYC for a 'bucket list' trip.
Her father flew to Los Angeles to help the search for her and ended up killing himself.
Earlier this month, the LAPD reported that Kobayashi had crossed voluntarily into Mexico.
But her family continued contradicting police in public statements, saying they still did not know whether Kobayashi was safe.
Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe, her family said Wednesday
The 30-year-old disappeared from Los Angeles International Airport after missing a connecting flight from her home in Maui to New York, she is seen after touching down in LAX on the left and buying a bus ticket at Union Station on the right
Investigators say Kobayashi 'knowingly departed' the airport, before using her passport and cash to buy a bus ticket to the US-Mexico border. She was later caught on surveillance footage crossing into Tijuana on foot between November 12 and 13.
Police closed the probe into her whereabouts after finding that she was 'voluntarily missing.'
Her family claimed they had not seen the surveillance footage that shows her walking across the border into Mexico until December 2.
Kobayashi's relatives have faced backlash after police revealed she was not missing, as they had raised money for the search.
The family said going to Mexico was uncharacteristic for Kobayashi and they were still trying to get in contact with her.
Even after police closed the probe, the family said the search for Kobayashi was 'far from over, and they are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely'.
'We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah's disappearance,' they said in a statement shared online by NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin.
'Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search.
Kobayashi's father, seen above, flew to Los Angeles to help the search for her and ended up killing himself
'We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah's safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions.
'Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts.'
The family then confirmed reports that they were exploring the possibility she may have been caught up in a green card marriage scam in the lead up to her disappearance.
Last week, sources told LA Mag she had been apparently scammed out of the proceeds of a green card visa scheme.
The outlet said that Kobayashi and her then partner landed in LAX with plans to board their connecting flight, with her legal husband and his partner also onboard.
LA Mag report that the scam was uncovered by Kobayashi's mother who found documents listing an attorney for her daughter's marriage, which she handed over to law enforcement.
In a statement from the family lawyer Sara Azari, she said that the family did not have 'the facts or necessary documents' to verify what they called the 'alleged marriage'.
Their statement said: 'This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.
'We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.'
