Hannah went missing and her dad died searching. Now, her family says she’s been found safe

Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who was at the centre of a Southern California missing person investigation before authorities said she voluntarily crossed into Mexico, has been found safe, her family said Wednesday.

In their brief statement, Kobayashi’s mother and sister did not say when or where the 30-year-old was found, but they thanked supporters and said they were grateful she’d been located.

“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 statement said.

Kobayashi’s family said last week that they were investigating whether she may have been part of a green card marriage scam.

The acknowledgement came after a report in Los Angeles Magazine that said she may have been involved in a possible immigration scam, but a lawyer for the family has said they had not been able to verify information about a possible “secret marriage” and asked the public to avoid jumping to conclusions.

Kobayashi’s father died by suicide November 24 after the family came to Los Angeles last month to search for her.

Kobayashi, 30, landed at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 with plans to catch a connecting flight to New York City, where the aspiring artist planned to visit the Museum of Modern Art, her family said.

She missed her connecting flight and was reported missing five days later, after sending a message to her family that described being scared and suggested that someone may be trying to steal her money and identity, according to her aunt.

The Los Angeles Police Department found video showing Kobyashi crossing into Mexico via a San Diego land port on November 12.

Police officials said Kobyashi intentionally missed her flight and that there was no evidence of human trafficking or foul play.

A review of her social media accounts led investigators to believe “there were some desires or posts that would be consistent in somebody who would have the desire to disconnect from their phone,” said one of the officials, Lt Douglas Oldfield of LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.