Hannah Kobayashi's Family Offers Refunds to Those Who Donated $50K to Search for Her After Voluntary Disappearance
Her sister and mother said this week that she had been "found safe" in Mexico, and police previously said she chose to travel to Tijuana alone
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 she has been been located in Mexico about a month after going off the grid in what police called a voluntary disappearance.
"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," Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah's sister, wrote in an update on the family's fundraiser supporting their efforts to find her.
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 had traveled from Maui but then, according to her family, acted out of character before contact was lost.
Her missing persons case garnered widespread media attention, driven by her loved ones, who said they feared she was the victim of a kidnapping or human trafficking.
L.A. police later determined that Hannah 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, saying they would continue their own search.
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Búsqueda de mujer desaparecida Hannah Kobayashi en Los Ángeles
Supporters search for Hannah Kobayashi in Los Angeles in November, though it was later revealed she voluntarily went to MexicoThe 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.
Some funds were also set aside to help face another tragedy: Hannah's dad, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide in L.A. last month while looking for her.
"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."
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Hannah Kobayashi"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.
Lt. Doug Oldfield, one of the investigators on Hannah's case, told PEOPLE that they were separately notified by Hannah's family that she had been found in Mexico but he had no other information.
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