Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old from Hawaii who went missing in November, has reconnected with her family.
A family member spoke to her on Tuesday, confirming to TMZ that she is safe.
“She’s an adult, and she can choose to be missing,” a senior law enforcement official noted just days ago, adding they hope she voluntarily contacts authorities.
Hannah, last seen at LAX after intentionally missing a connecting flight to New York, became a source of concern when authorities confirmed she crossed into Mexico near Tijuana on November 12th. Surveillance footage shows her retrieving her luggage at LAX before leaving the airport. Police have since classified her as a “voluntary missing person.”
Upon hearing from Hannah, her family expressed immense relief and thanked the LAPD and the public for their support during the search. However, they requested privacy to “process the events and heal.”
The family’s ordeal took a tragic turn when Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide on November 27th in Los Angeles. He had flown in to help locate his daughter, holding rallies and press conferences before his untimely death. It’s unknown if Hannah is aware of his death.
Hannah’s disappearance shed light on unsettling details, including “weird” text messages she reportedly sent before vanishing. The family also alleged someone was exerting control over her. As they now focus on recovery, her story continues to raise questions about the circumstances leading to her abrupt departure and journey to Mexico.
