Hannah Kobayashi Says She Was 'Unaware' of Media Coverage Surrounding Her Disappearance: 'Still Processing It All'

12/17/2024 05:36 AM

The 30-year-old Hawaii woman was reported missing in November before her family confirmed she'd been 'found safe' on Dec. 11

Hannah Kobayashi was the subject of a weeks-long search after she was reported missing last month, but the 30-year-old — who has since been found — has said she was "unaware" of the media coverage surrounding her disappearance.

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Kobayashi's family announced she'd been "found safe" about a month after she walked into Mexico in what police have since called a voluntary disappearance.

Five days later, on Monday, Dec. 16, her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, released a statement to PEOPLE on behalf of her niece, who said she hadn't been aware of the headlines she had made around the country following her disappearance

Kobayashi, a photographer living in Hawaii, said in the statement, "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," the statement added.

Related: Hannah Kobayashi Declared 'Voluntary Missing Person' After Crossing Mexico Border by Foot, Police Say

Kobayashi also revealed in the statement that she had "crossed the border back into the United States" at "daybreak on December 15th."

"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," the statement included.

The statement came after Lt. Doug Oldfield, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department's missing persons unit, confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday, Dec. 16, that police had "received notification that Hannah Kobayashi crossed yesterday – 12/15/2024."

Oldfield said that Kobayashi's case had now been closed and that she'd spoken with Customs and Border Protection and "presented herself for entry into the U.S.," adding that she "appeared to be in good health" and "did not appear to be under any distress."

After Kobayashi was found, her sister and mother – Sydni Kobayashi and Brandi Yee – said in a statement to PEOPLE through their attorney, Sara Azari, on Dec. 11 that they were "incredibly relieved and grateful."

"This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through," the family continued.

"We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us," they added, without providing details about when, where or how Kobayashi had made contact with her family.

Related: Police Haven't Seen Hannah Kobayashi Themselves but Say She Isn't 'Obligated to Speak to Us' and Wish Her Well (Exclusive)

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Kobayashi was "found safe" weeks after her worried family — who thought she might have been a victim of a kidnapping or human trafficking — began searching for her when she did not board her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York City on Nov. 9. At the time, it was reported she had sent "alarming" text messages to loved ones.

Kobayashi's father Ryan Kobayashi, who flew from Hawaii to Los Angeles to assist with the search, died by suicide in L.A. on Nov. 24.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.