Hannah Kobayashi's family says search is 'far from over' after police reveal she voluntarily left for Mexico
Authorities may consider Hannah Kobayashi a "voluntary missing person," but her family isn't done looking for her.
(KTLA) – Authorities may consider Hannah Kobayashi a "voluntary missing person," but her family isn't done looking for her.
Kobayashi, a 30-year-old budding photographer from Maui, was heading to New York City on Nov. 8 for a new job and to visit relatives when she missed a connecting flight during a stop at Los Angeles International Airport. She told her family she was sleeping at the airport that night and texted them the next day to say she was sightseeing in Los Angeles.
Her family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages, according to her aunt.
Kobayashi's loved ones also believed she was possibly the victim of a violent crime. But authorities later announced evidence that Kobayashi had voluntarily missed her connecting flight to NYC, and was later spotted unharmed and crossing into Mexico on Nov. 12.
Authorities now believe no foul play was involved and she entered Mexico of her own free will.
Her family, however, has yet to give up the search. They traveled from Hawaii to L.A. to look for her in November, though her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead in a parking lot near LAX on Nov. 24.
On Tuesday, the rest of the family released a statement saying that they "remain hopeful that Hannah is safe," adding that "the search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely."
"We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah's safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions," said the statement, which was shared on social media by NewsNation's Brian Entin.
At a press conference earlier this week, however, the Los Angeles Police Department they're trying to strike a balance between alleviating her family's concerns and protecting Kobayashi's privacy, as they claim she intended to disconnect from modern life, and it's unclear if she still possesses a cellphone.
“Our priority is ensuring Ms. Kobayashi’s safety and well-being,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. “We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know she is safe. She has the right to privacy, and we respect her choice, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel. A simple message could reassure those who care about her."
Police said Kobayashi walked into Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing about 125 miles (201 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles on Nov. 12, the day after her family reported her missing. Authorities made the announcement after reviewing security video from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities added that Kobayashi is not a suspect in any criminal activity.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate professional help by calling the nationwide mental health crisis hotline by dialing 9-8-8 on your phone.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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