Hannah Kobayashi's Family Offers Refunds to Those Who Donated $50K to Search for Her After Voluntary Disappearance

Mar. 15, 2025

Hannah Kobayashi’s family is offering refunds to the hundreds of people who helped raise nearly $50,000 for their search for her in the wake of news that shehas been located in Mexicoabout a month after going off the grid in what police calleda voluntary disappearance.

Hannah had been reported missing in Los Angeles on Nov. 11 after failing to board a connecting flight to New York City.

The 30-year-old Hawaii woman had traveled from Maui but then, according to her family,acted out of characterbefore contact was lost.

L.A. policelater determined thatHannah voluntarily traveled to the southern border on Nov. 12 and walked alone into Tijuana, with no evidence of foul play or any crime.

Hannah’s relatives initially challenged that view, sayingthey would continue their own search.

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Supporters search for Hannah Kobayashi in Los Angeles in November, though it was later revealed she voluntarily went to Mexico.Búsqueda de mujer desaparecida Hannah Kobayashi en Los Ángeles

Hannah Kobayashi

Búsqueda de mujer desaparecida Hannah Kobayashi en Los Ángeles

The money raised from their GoFundMe was intended for transportation, search and rescue efforts, temporary housing and to help with a public awareness campaign, the family said.

“This family has been more than above board with their intentions, with their expenses. Everything’s backed up with receipts,” Sara Azari, an attorney working with Hannah’s sister and mom, Brandi Yee, previously told PEOPLE.

“This is a very, very odd situation, and they [Hannah’s family] deserve answers and they deserve closure,” Azari said then.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, Sydni and Yee released a statement through Azari saying that Hannah had been “found safe.”

Hannah Kobayashi.LAPD

Missing person Hannah Kobayashi was last seen at LAX Airport on November 8th, 2024

LAPD

“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,” they said.

“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,” Hannah’s sister and mother added.

They did not provide further information and their attorney said there would be no additional statements.

source: people.com