Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe, her family announced on Wednesday, more than a week after police categorized her as voluntarily missing amidst concerns of possible abduction.
In a joint statement, her mother Brandi Yee and sister Sydni expressed gratitude, saying, "This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family. We kindly request privacy as we process everything we've been through."
The family’s attorney, Sara Azari, shared the statement on social media, without disclosing Hannah’s location or further details about how they confirmed her safety.
The Los Angeles Police Department also acknowledged the development, stating, "We’re glad to hear she is safe. This is now a private matter, and our investigation is concluded."
Hannah’s disappearance had sparked a fundraising campaign that gathered over $47,000 to assist in the search. The family has now disabled donations and offered donors the option of refunds.
Kobayashi, 30, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui on November 8 but never boarded her connecting flight to New York. After retrieving her luggage and traveling to Union Station via LA Metro, she purchased a ticket to the US-Mexico border. On November 12, she crossed the border at San Ysidro, confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection video surveillance.
Police declared her a voluntary missing person on December 2, stating no evidence pointed to foul play, trafficking, or criminal activity. They reiterated that Kobayashi had a right to privacy despite her family’s concerns for her well-being.