Relatives of the 31-year-old released a statement explaining she had been in contact with them on Wednesday (11 December) after weeks of them searching.

Kobayashi seemingly vanished after travelling from her home in Maui, Hawaii to Los Angeles on 8 November before missing her connecting flight to New York City.

Despite several sightings of her, Kobayashi’s loved ones were unable to track her down.

Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department shared an update on the case and announced that Kobayashi had crossed the US/Mexico border on 12 November.

The force believed that she had ‘expressed a desire to step away from modem connectivity’ and that ‘speculation about potential involvement in human trafficking or foul play’ was false.

Cops also said they found that although Kobayashi’s luggage was checked onto the flight to New York, she later asked for it returned to her at LAX.

Surveillance footage showed her collecting her bag on 11 November before heading to Union Station and purchasing a bus ticket.

Following that, she made her way to San Ysidro, California, before crossing the border into Mexico on foot.

However, Kobayashi’s family still remained concerned about her safety and whereabouts.

But her relatives have now revealed that the 31-year-old has ‘been found safe’ and that they have been in touch with her.

The family’s lawyer, Sara Azari, shared the statement on their behalf in a post on X yesterday (11 December).

The 31-year-old vanished after arriving in Los Angeles last month (California Attorney General’s Office)

The statement read: “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. 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.”

It came after police urged Kobayashi to contact her family to put their minds at ease.

Following the announcement that she was considered a ‘voluntary missing person’, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said: “She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern loved ones feel for her.

“A simple message could reassure those she cares about.”

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui on 8 November, and was reported missing after failing to board her connecting flight to New York.

On 24 November, the body of her father Ryan Kobayashi, 58, who travelled to LA to look for her, was found at the bottom of a car park at LAX airport. His death was ruled as a suicide.

The force believe that ‘Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modem connectivity’ and that ‘speculation about potential involvement in human trafficking or foul play’ was false.

It was also confirmed that the police department would not be investigating the case while Kobayashi is in Mexico.

“However, if Kobayashi returns to the United States, law enforcement will be notified,” they added.

“She is encouraged to contact law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico so officials can confirm her well-being.

“The missing person case will remain active in the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) until her safety is confirmed by law enforcement.”

In a new statement, the family said they are now exploring the possibility that Hannah may have been involved in a green card marriage scam.

On 8 November, the photographer was travelling on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend, who purchased the tickets before they broke up.

Though it is now thought that the pair were supposed to board their connecting flight, with her legal husband and his partner also onboard, reports Los Angeles Magazine.

LA Mag reported that Hannah’s mother found immigration documents and handed them over to police.

Her father Ryan Kobayashi, 58, took his own life (YouTube/Fox 11 Los Angeles)

Family lawyer Sara Azari has since shared a statement, which reads: “We want to stress that the family has not publicly announced any information regarding an alleged marriage because we did not have the facts or the necessary documents to verify the legitimacy of this information.

“The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage.

“This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.

“We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.

“Further, while we appreciate Larie’s efforts, she does not speak on behalf of our immediate family, which consists of Hannah’s mother, Brandi and her sister, Sydni.

“We remain focused on verifying the details and leads we have received, and ask for your understanding and patience as we continue our investigation.”