The Hawaii girl was first reported lacking final month after she missed a connecting flight to New York Metropolis at LAX on November 9. As her household flew in from the islands to conduct their very own search, the LAPD was additionally deeply concerned of their investigation.

Surveillance footage confirmed Kobayashi strolling across the airport, within the surrounding close by space, within the firm of an unknown particular person, and ultimately strolling throughout the border and into Mexico.

In the meantime, distressing textual content messages acquired by members of the family adopted by uncharacteristic silence from the 30-year-old had everybody apprehensive that one thing terrible could have occurred to her.

Amid the household’s search in and across the Los Angeles airport, Hannah’s father Ryan Kobayashi was tragically discovered lifeless in a parking construction close to LAX on November 24, with police figuring out it was by suicide.

Whereas there are nonetheless a variety of questions — many which can by no means be answered — not less than it’s identified she is again dwelling and secure.

5 days after her household launched an announcement that she was “discovered secure” a month after footage confirmed her strolling into Mexico, Kobayashi is talking out for the primary time in an announcement launched via her aunt, Larie Pidgeon.

“I used to be unaware of every thing that was occurring within the media whereas I used to be away, and I’m nonetheless processing all of it,” Kobayashi stated within the assertion launched to Folks.

“I kindly ask for respect for myself, my household, and my family members as I navigate via this difficult time,” she continued. “Thanks in your understanding.”

She confirmed that she had crossed the border again into the US on the morning of December 15, saying her “focus now could be on my therapeutic, my peace and my creativity.”

“I’m deeply grateful to my household and everybody who has proven me kindness and compassion throughout this time,” she concluded her assertion.

That very same day, Lt. Doug Oldfield of the LAPD lacking individuals unit confirmed that Kobayashi had “offered herself for entry into the U.S.” He additional affirmed that she “gave the impression to be in good well being” and “didn’t look like underneath any misery.”

On asserting that they’d heard from Kobayashi whereas she was nonetheless in Mexico on December 11, Kobayashi’s sister and mom, Sydni Kobayashi and Brandi Yee, known as it “an unimaginable ordeal” however expressed they had been “extremely relieved and grateful” she was nicely.