Hannah Kobayashi's family offers GoFundMe donation refunds after her voluntary disappearance

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The family of Hannah Kobayashi is offering refunds to GoFundMe donors who helped raise nearly $50,000 for search efforts after it was announced she was found safe and located in Mexico about one month after police said she voluntarily disappeared.

"We are turning donations off, and any donor who would like a refund can submit a claim by December 18th, and it will be honored," sister Sydni Kobayashi wrote in an update on the family's fundraiser supporting their efforts to find her.

This comes a day after the 30-year-old reconnected with her family and assured them that she's safe. 

"We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe," her family wrote in a statement obtained by FOX 11. "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."

RELATED: Hannah Kobayashi: Hawaii woman who temporarily went missing found safe, family says

The money raised from GoFundMe was intended for search and rescue efforts, food, transportation, and temporary accommodation, among other things, according to the family.

Some of the funds were also set aside for Ryan Kobayashi, who died by suicide last month during the search for his daughter. 

"This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably," the family said in a statement released through a nonprofit group helping with the search.

Kobayashi was reported missing by her family on Nov. 12 after she did not board a connecting flight from Maui to New York City.

Her phone last pinged at LAX on Nov. 11, where she was seen talking to an American Airlines agent but did not board a flight, according to her family. 

RELATED: Hannah Kobayashi's aunt speaks out after LAPD says she 'willingly' went to Mexico

During a press conference on Dec. 2, LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said they had determined Kobayashi voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico on Nov. 12 based on surveillance footage, and urged her to contact family.

"We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know that you're safe," he said. "She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her."

McDonnell said that Kobayashi was "alone, with her luggage and appeared unharmed" when she went to Mexico and that there was no evidence she was "being trafficked or is the victim of foul play." 

RELATED: Hannah Kobayashi may have been tied to green card marriage scam, family says

The case took a turn when relatives said they were investigating the possibility that Kobayashi may have been involved in a green card marriage scam after her mother reportedly found immigration documents at her Maui home. Further details on the validity of this claim were not released.

Police had previously said the case would remain open until the Hawaii woman was found safe.

The Source: This story was reported with information from the Los Angeles Police Department, GoFundMe, and interviews with the Kobayashi family.

 

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