HANNAH KOBAYASHI RETURNS TO THE U.S., SAYS SHE WAS ‘UNAWARE’ OF MEDIA COVERAGE AFTER SHE WAS REPORTED MISSING

Hannah Kobayashi, the American woman who made headlines after being reported missing, has returned to the United States and has spoken out about her disappearance. In a statement released on December 17, 2024, Kobayashi addressed the public for the first time since her disappearance, stating that she was unaware of the media coverage surrounding her case.

“I was unaware of the media coverage and the concern that my disappearance had caused,” Kobayashi said in her statement. “I want to apologize to my family, friends, and loved ones for the worry and fear that I may have caused.”

Kobayashi’s disappearance had sparked a widespread search effort, with authorities and volunteers scouring the area for any sign of her. Her family and friends had also taken to social media to plead for her safe return.

Details of Kobayashi’s Disappearance Remain Unclear

While Kobayashi has returned safely, the details of her disappearance remain unclear. Authorities have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and Kobayashi’s statement did not provide any further insight.

“We are just grateful that Hannah is safe and sound,” said a spokesperson for the Kobayashi family. “We appreciate the efforts of the authorities and the public in helping to bring her home.”

Kobayashi’s Return Sparks Relief and Questions

Kobayashi’s return has sparked a mix of relief and questions. While her family and friends are grateful for her safe return, many are left wondering about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

As the investigation into Kobayashi’s disappearance continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Hannah’s disappearance,” said a spokesperson for the authorities. “We urge anyone with information to contact us and help us piece together what happened.”

“She texted [a friend] that she was scared and that she couldn’t come back home or something,” Sydni Kobayashi told HawaiiNewsNow. “It was just really weird texts. … It doesn’t sound like her — like there’s just something off about it. So I wasn’t too sure. I don’t know if it’s her or if someone else was texting.”

One of her last texts allegedly said, “I just finished a very intense spiritual awakening. I’m heading back to the airport to get to NYC. I might need some help getting there.”

In addition to texts, the family also didn’t recognize the names of two people Kobayashi sent money to over Venmo on Nov. 10 — transactions that Yahoo News was able to verify since Kobayashi’s Venmo account is public.

The family also said there was security camera footage showing Kobayashi and an unknown person at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, allegedly on Nov. 11.

“It has been confirmed that she did leave the airport on 11/11 in the evening and that she boarded the Metro,” Pidgeon told CBS News. “She was not alone. She was with an unidentified person. That causes us extreme alarm because that correlates with the timeline of her going missing. So, our focus now is on the Pico Metro station.”

Yahoo News had reached out to several of the family members.

“If you see Hannah, please call 911 immediately,” read a statement from the family shared on Facebook. “Please obtain a photograph if possible. Your prompt action is crucial. If you’re able to safely keep eyes on her until law enforcement arrives, please do so.”

What happened to her dad, Ryan?

After spending two weeks helping search for his daughter, Ryan Kobayashi was found dead on Nov. 24, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The county coroner’s office confirmed on Nov. 25 that he died by suicide.

The Kobayashi family said in a statement that Ryan Kobayashi “tragically took his own life” after “tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days.”

“He just died of a broken heart,” Pidgeon told USA Today on Nov. 26. “Being on the streets and seeing what the possibilities of where his daughter could be. No sleep. The speculating rumors that are going around. It just took a toll on him.”

Conclusion

Hannah Kobayashi’s return to the United States has brought relief to her family and friends, but it has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and help shed light on what happened.