LOS ANGELES, CA – The family of Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman whose disappearance sparked a high-profile search last month, announced on Friday that they are offering refunds to those who contributed to a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $50,000 to support the search effort.
In an update posted to the crowdfunding page, the Kobayashi family expressed their gratitude to supporters while also addressing the outcome of their search.
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family,” the statement read. “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.”
The family confirmed they had turned off donations to the campaign and said contributors who wish to request a refund have until December 18 to submit a claim.
Kobayashi disappeared in early November after traveling from Hawaii to Los Angeles. The 30-year-old landed at LAX on November 8 but did not board her connecting flight to New York. Her family reported receiving cryptic and alarming messages from her phone before all communication ceased.
The disappearance prompted a large-scale search effort involving family members, volunteers, and law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department later revealed that surveillance footage showed Kobayashi crossing into Mexico alone on November 12, days after she was last seen in Los Angeles. Authorities stated there was no evidence she was under duress or the victim of a crime.
Her family confirmed earlier this week that Kobayashi had been found safe but did not disclose details about her location or circumstances.
The case took a heartbreaking turn on November 24, when Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, was found dead in a parking garage near LAX. He had traveled to Los Angeles from Hawaii to aid in the search for his daughter. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide.
In their GoFundMe update, the family acknowledged the dual emotions of relief over Hannah’s safety and the grief of losing Ryan.
The GoFundMe campaign had attracted widespread attention, with hundreds of donors contributing to support the family’s search efforts. However, Kobayashi’s safe recovery and the revelation that she crossed the border voluntarily raised questions for some contributors.
To address these concerns, the family’s offer of refunds is seen as a transparent and proactive step.
“Hannah’s safe return is what we prayed for, but this has been a deeply complicated and emotional journey,” a family representative said. “We hope this gesture allows those who supported us to feel that their contributions were honored, regardless of how this journey unfolded.”
The case has highlighted challenges related to missing persons investigations, mental health issues, and the complexities of crowdfunding in sensitive situations. The family has requested privacy as they navigate their next steps and process the events of the past month.
For donors wishing to request a refund, details are available on the GoFundMe campaign page.
