Hannah Kobayashi Makes First Statement Since Returning to U.S. Following Her Voluntary Disappearance

Hannah Kobayashi is speaking out in her first public statement since returning to the United States.

The 30-year-old made headlines last month when she missed a connecting flight in Los Angeles while en route from Hawaii to New York. After spending a few days in L.A., she got on a bus to Mexico, but her phone was left behind at LAX.

Tragedy struck her family when Hannah‘s dad Ryan Kobayashi died by suicide on November 24 amid the search for her.

Hannah was declared a voluntary missing person on December 2 and the police search for her was called off. Her family made contact with her on December 11 and she crossed back into the U.S. on December 15.

Now, she’s speaking out and she claims she was unaware of the media coverage of her disappearance.

Keep reading to find out more…

“At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States,” Hannah said in a statement provided to People. “My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time.”

“I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding,” she concluded.