Hannah Kobayashi is breaking her silence.
The 30-year-old Hawaii woman, who made headlines around the country after she disappeared into Mexico, has now spoken out for the first time — five days after her family announced she had been found.
On Monday, Dec. 16, Lt. Doug Oldfield, a member of the LA Police Department's missing persons unit, confirmed to PEOPLE that police “received notification that Hannah Kobayashi crossed yesterday – 12/15/2024.” Oldfield explained that Kobayashi's case is now closed, and she spoke with Customs and Border Protection and “presented herself for entry into the US,” adding that she “appeared to be in good health” and “did not appear to be under any distress. ”
In a statement provided to PEOPLE by her aunt Larie Pigeon, Hannah also confirmed she is back in the US.
“At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States,” the statement began.
“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,” it continued.
Kobayashi says she wasn't aware of the media coverage of her after she went missing.
“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 concluded.
Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon
As previously reported, Kobayashi's family revealed on Dec. 11 that Hannah was “found safe,” following what police eventually called a “voluntary” disappearance into Mexico during her travels.
Her sister and mother, Sydni Kobayashi and Brandi Yee, said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time through their attorney, Sara Azari, that they were “incredibly relieved and grateful.” It was not clear at the time when, where or how Hannah made contact with her family and Azari said that there would be no further statement.
“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 shared. “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.”
Lt. Doug Oldfield, a member of the LA Police Department's missing persons unit, then told PEOPLE that they learned “Ms. Kobayashi was found” from the family attorney. He added that authorities had “not seen her and at this point we have no reason to compel her to see us.”
“It's a big news story so she may decide to come with a lawyer, but she is not obligated to speak to us,” Oldfield said. “We'll see what happens next. We don't have a lot of details.”
Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon
The revelation of Kobayashi being “found safe” came weeks after she became the subject of a search in Los Angeles when she did not board her connecting flight to New York City on Nov. 9 and sent what had been described as “alarming” text messages to her family.
Kobayashi's family then drew a spotlight to her disappearance and said they worried she was the victim of a kidnapping or human trafficking. Her father Ryan Kobayashi, who flew from Hawaii to Los Angeles to assist with the search, died by suicide in LA on Nov. 24.
Eventually, authorities in Los Angeles determined that Kobayashi was a “voluntary missing person” after discovering that she crossed the US-Mexico border on foot on Nov. 12. The family then turned its focus to taking “matters in their own hands,” as Azari told PEOPLE on Dec. 4 that they were hoping to “get Mexican media involved” to raise public awareness about Hannah's disappearance — days before the family announced eventually that she safe.
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,