Hannah Kobayashi Returns to U.S. After Disappearance and Month in Mexico

The Hawaii woman's disappearance led to a nationwide search, her father's tragic death, and lingering questions about her time away.

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, returned to the U.S. on December 15, 2024, after being classified as a voluntary missing person by authorities during her monthlong absence.
She issued a statement through her aunt, expressing gratitude for her family's support and stating she was unaware of the intense media coverage surrounding her disappearance.
Her disappearance began after she missed a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 and was later seen crossing into Mexico on November 12.
The search for Kobayashi took a tragic turn when her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide near LAX on November 24 while helping to search for her.
Authorities have closed the case, citing no evidence of foul play, but questions remain about her reasons for traveling to Mexico and her actions during her time away.