Maui resident Kobayashi, who had been missing for over two weeks, has been found safe. In a statement released Monday, she shared, “I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all.” Her disappearance had raised alarms, especially after her family reported her missing on November 13 when she stopped communicating, reported by the Mirror.
Kobayashi had flown into Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 but missed a connecting flight to New York City. Her family members grew concerned after she failed to make contact, and security footage showing an unknown man with her in Los Angeles added to their worries. However, after investigating, the Los Angeles Police Department found no evidence of wrongdoing related to the man seen in the video.
Kobayashi had planned to visit New York to tour museums and galleries in pursuit of her dream of becoming an artist. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell later revealed that Kobayashi had voluntarily stayed in Los Angeles after missing her flight, cutting off communication with her family. It was also found that she had her luggage rerouted back to Los Angeles International Airport. Investigators later confirmed that she crossed into Mexico at the San Ysidro pedestrian crossing in San Diego on November 12.
While authorities stated that Kobayashi was free to travel, they urged her to contact her family, some of whom had flown from Hawaii and other parts of the country to join the search. Tragically, on November 24, while her family was in Los Angeles coordinating efforts, her father died by suicide near the airport.
In an update from her family, they confirmed that Kobayashi had been found safe. Her mother and sister expressed gratitude for her safe return but did not disclose the details of where or when she was located.
Kobayashi’s statement on Monday read, “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.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support.