Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The Kobayashi family has endured a significant tragedy over the past month following the disappearance of their daughter in Los Angeles.
Hannah Kobayashi was scheduled to travel to New York on November 8, having flown out from Maui, Hawaii. However, upon arriving in Los Angeles, she chose to leave LAX airport and ventured into the city instead of waiting for her connecting flight.
The 30-year-old, who aspired to be a photographer, reportedly texted a friend about experiencing a ‘spiritual awakening’ and decided to explore Los Angeles.
Hannah was last seen with an unidentified man, and on November 11, her family claimed they received messages from her stating that someone was attempting to steal her identity.
Her father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled to Los Angeles to assist in the search for Hannah. Tragically, on November 24, the Los Angeles Police Department reported that Ryan had died by suicide while searching for his daughter, at approximately 4:00 a.m.
The Kobayashi family has since released a statement through their attorney, Sara Azari, on Twitter, expressing gratitude to those who supported them and announcing that Hannah has been found ‘safe’.
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through,” it began.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us,” the statement continued, signed by Brandi Yee & Sydni Kobayashi.
This development came over a week after Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell held a press briefing where he declared that Hannah was ‘voluntarily missing’ and emphasized her right to privacy.
“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 United States border on foot into Mexico,” he stated.
He added: “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.”
“She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her,” McDonnell concluded.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
For immediate mental health support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline available to everyone 24/7.