Hannah Kobayashi has finally broken her silence, sending a message to her family after being found safe in Mexico following her disappearance from Los Angeles over a month ago.
The 30-year-old aspiring photographer vanished on 8 November after arriving at LAX for a layover en route to New York City.
Instead of boarding her connecting flight, she disappeared, sparking a frantic search by loved ones.
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Her family announced last week that she had been located safe in Mexico but noted she does not wish to return home at this time.
Sydni, Hannah's sister, shared details of their first conversation since the ordeal, explaining the emotional weight of the call.
"We've only spoken to her over the phone," Sydni revealed.
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"She was found safe with Larie [her aunt], but she doesn't wish to return to us. At this time, my mother and I have not physically seen Hannah."
She added: "We don't have actual proof of where she is, other than that she's somewhere in Mexico."
Hannah's disappearance became a nationwide story after her loved ones appealed for help, desperately canvassing Los Angeles and posting updates on social media.
Tragically, the search took a devastating turn when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, took his own life in late November after tirelessly looking for his daughter.
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The family's attorney, Sara Azari, confirmed that Hannah had traveled to Mexico voluntarily.
Surveillance footage revealed that on November 12, she crossed the border alone, carrying her luggage and passport. Police deemed her disappearance a voluntary act, but questions linger over why she chose to leave and what happened during her time off the grid.
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Sydni accused their aunt, Larie, of creating unnecessary drama during the search, saying: "Larie, a self-proclaimed social media influencer, became the point of contact for the media and gave multiple interviews despite me and my mum asking her not to.
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"Our priority was finding Hannah, not creating a media circus."
Hannah's family have released a statement expressing their relief but asking for privacy.
"We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe," they wrote.
"This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we heal and process everything."
Hannah Kobayashi's disappearance timeline
8 Nov: Kobayashi misses her flight and a search begins
Kobayashi's family say they received texts claiming someone was trying to steal her identity and having grew concerned, they reported her missing.
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A widespread search was sparked for the aspiring photographer, with Kobayashi's father Ryan Kobayashi flying from Maui to LA and multiple alleged sightings reported.
During their investigation, police dismissed speculation Kobayashi was involved in any type of criminal activity.
24 Nov: Ryan Kobayashi dies
Kobayashi's father Ryan was tragically found dead at 4.00am in a car park near the airport in what is believed to be a suicide.
A family statement at the time said: "The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today. After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family's suffering immeasurably.
"What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts. The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family's pillar and navigating next steps."
26 Nov: Police have major breakthrough
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced during a Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners meeting that officials believed Kobayashi missed her flight on purpose and had gone missing voluntarily.
The family disputed the claims made by authorities.
2 Dec: The case is re-classified
A few days later, the case is officially re-classified, with Hannah now considered a voluntary missing person after being spotted crossing the border into Mexico.
11 Dec: Kobayashi found 'safe'
An update was finally provided on the case as Kobayashi was found 'safe and well' in Mexico.
"We are incredibly relieved and grateful Hannah has been found safe," a family statement shared with the Mail Online stated.
Topics: World News
Sara Keenan