Hannah Kobayashi breaks silence after returning to US in wake of major Mexico search

Hannah Kobayashi returned to the US from Mexico on Sunday and confessed only now she is learning about the huge rescue search that was dispatched by authorities following her disappearance

Hannah Kobayashi has admitted she was "unaware" of the frenzy surrounding her disappearance after her concerned family reported her missing.

The 30-year-old, from Hawaii, returned to the US from Mexico on Sunday and confessed only now she is learning about the huge rescue search that was sent for her, after she arrived at Los Angeles Internatonial Airport on November 8 but missed a connecting flight to New York City. Her devastated family became concerned after she stopped contacting them and reported Kobayashi missing on November 13.

In a letter distributed by her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, Kobayashi admitted she was "unaware of everything happening" surrounding her disappearance. In a statement she said: "At daybreak on December 15th, I crossed the border back into the United States.

"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.

"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."

Kobayashi’s mother and sister, in a statement through their lawyer, were the first to announce last Wednesday that she had been found safe. “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe,” Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi wrote. “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. 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.”

Family members, friends and local volunteers had been searching for Hannah in Los Angeles. Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among those who flew in from Hawaii to help in the search. He was found dead November 24 in a car park near LA International Airport, according to the county medical examiner. Kobayashi’s family confirmed Ryan Kobayashi’s death in a statement the same day, saying they “endured a devastating tragedy” and that he died by suicide.

Police said Hannah Kobayashi walked into Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing about 125 miles southeast of Los Angeles on November 12, the day after her family reported her missing. Authorities made the announcement after reviewing security video from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Kobayashi disappeared voluntarily as she sought to “step away from modern connectivity,” Jim McDonnell, the LA police chief, previously said.