5:54 PM PT — In a statement to PEOPLE through her aunt Larie Pidgeon, Hannah says … “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.”
She continues … “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.”
3:22 PM PT — The LAPD has released an update to the case … “The Los Angeles Police Department received notification from Customs Border Protection that Hannah Kobayashi had presented herself on December 15, 2024, for entry into the US and appeared in good health.
“This case is now closed. Hannah Kobayashi has been removed from the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS).”
Hannah Kobayashi — the Hawaii woman who temporarily went missing back in November — is back on American soil … after crossing the border into Mexico.
Our sources tell us Hannah crossed back into California from Mexico over the weekend, and she was questioned by U.S. officials to make sure everything was OK.
We’re told Hannah appeared healthy and was not under any duress … and she met her lawyer at the border and left with him after crossing into the United States.
TMZ broke the story … Hannah finally got in contact with her family last week after being reported missing in November, and the LAPD investigation into her disappearance is closed.
Hannah was initially reported missing after cops in L.A. say she bailed on a connecting flight from LAX to New York … and she was later spotted multiple times in L.A. before being captured on camera crossing into Mexico from California.
During the saga, Hannah’s dad flew from Hawaii to L.A. to try to find her … and he died from an apparent suicide after searching for her for nearly 2 weeks … reportedly leaping to his death from a parking structure, at least according to cops.
Still unclear if Hannah is aware of her father’s death … but she has spoken to her family and now her attorney, so it’s entirely possible she knows his fate.
TMZ Studios
LAPD has said they don’t believe Hannah was a victim of trafficking or foul play … and, they don’t believe she was involved in criminal activity … but it’s interesting her attorney, and not her family, was there to greet her when she got back from Mexico.
Originally Published — 10:57 AM PT
