A woman who went missing during her ‘bucket list’ vacation has been found safe.
A woman who went missing while traveling has been found “safe and well,” her family has confirmed.
Hannah Kobayashi, who had been traveling from her home in Maui, Hawaii, was en route to New York with a layover in Los Angeles in November but never boarded her flight at LAX. Her disappearance sparked concern, prompting her family to travel to Los Angeles to search for her before filing a missing person’s report.
The Los Angeles Police had previously confirmed that Kobayashi was seen on video surveillance.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated, “As the family is aware, late yesterday, after traveling to the US-Mexico border, we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico.”
In an update provided on Wednesday, December 11, Kobayashi’s family issued a statement expressing their relief.
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful Hannah has been found safe,” the statement shared with Mail Online reads.
At this time, it remains unclear where Kobayashi has been or what she has been doing for nearly a month.
Police had previously provided details about Kobayashi’s disappearance, which sparked concern within the family.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell added, “On November 8, 23-year-old Hannah Kobayashi missed her connecting flight from LAX to New York, which the investigation determined was intentional.”
“Over the next few days, she maintained contact with her family and was active on Instagram. However, the family last heard from Hannah on November 11, after receiving concerning text messages and losing further contact. Her family then traveled to LA on November 13 and filed a missing person report.”
“On November 15, our missing person’s unit took over the investigation. Detectives have been diligently reviewing video surveillance and employing various investigative techniques to locate Hannah, while her family has continued their own search efforts.”
“Tragically, on November 24, during the search for his daughter, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found deceased. Preliminary findings indicate his death was by suicide.”
During their investigation, police also dismissed speculation that Kobayashi was involved in any criminal activity.
“To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play. She is also not a suspect in any criminal activity,” police added.
“She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her.”
