LOS ANGELES, Dec 17, (V7N) — Hannah Kobayashi, the 30-year-old Maui woman who went missing in Los Angeles last month, has returned to the United States, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Kobayashi was found in good health and did not appear to be in distress upon her return, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The department has since closed the missing persons case.

Kobayashi, who had been traveling from Hawaii to New York City, went missing after missing her flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 8. Her family reported she stopped contacting them after sending several unusual messages that mentioned feeling unsafe and someone trying to steal her identity and money.

On November 11, her phone was last pinged at LAX, but the device was not recovered. Kobayashi was later seen at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles before making her way toward the U.S.-Mexico border, where surveillance footage showed her crossing the border alone. The LAPD began investigating her case and working with customs officials to track her movements.

In a statement, Kobayashi's attorney, Doug Kari, confirmed that he met with her in Mexico and escorted her across the border to safety. He mentioned that Kobayashi is deeply grateful to those who supported her during the search, asking for privacy during this challenging time.

The search for Kobayashi took a tragic turn when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead by suicide near LAX on November 24. This heartbreaking loss occurred while the family was desperately searching for Hannah. The family expressed their grief over the death, and lawyers confirmed that Hannah is aware of her father’s passing.

After a month-long search, Kobayashi’s case has officially been closed. A statement released by the Kobayashi family on December 11 confirmed that she had been found and would be returning to the U.S. Kobayashi’s family, including her lawyer and close family members, asked for respect and privacy as they continue to process the events.

Kobayashi's disappearance has drawn attention to mental health and the complexities surrounding missing persons cases. Her case, once presumed to be a kidnapping or foul play, has now been confirmed as a voluntary disappearance after review of video footage and other evidence.

The situation underscores the emotional toll such events take on families and highlights the importance of privacy and respect for those involved. The Kobayashi family has expressed their gratitude for the support of the community during this difficult time.

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