Hannah Kobayashi's family issue GoFundMe update as woman is found after going missing for month
The family of Hannah Kobayashi have shared an update regarding the £36,000 which was raised to help fund search efforts before she was found safe.
Relatives of the 31-year-old announced she had been in contact with them on Wednesday (11 December), nearly a month after they had reported her missing.
Her loved ones had grown gravely concerned for the photographer after she seemingly vanished after travelling from her home in Maui, Hawaii to Los Angeles on 8 November.
Advert
Kobayashi missed her connecting flight to New York City and sent her family and friends a series of alarming text messages, which only added to the mystery surrounding her disappearance.
There were several sightings of her, however the family expressed frustration at the speed at which authorities were handling the case.
Kobayashi's sister, Sydni, then set up a GoFundMe to help finance further search efforts.
She explained the money would be spent on food and drink for volunteers aiding with the search as well as transport and temporary accommodation.
The sibling said some of the cash would also be spent on 'communication devices and technology for an extensive search area with no cell phone service', a 'media campaign to maximise awareness' and 'on-site support' for the family.
Sydni then shared an update on the GoFundMe page on 4 December, after police announced that Kobayashi was missing 'voluntarily'.
She thanked people for their donations and revealed they would also help cover Ryan Kobayashi's funeral expenses, as well as an attorney and a private investigator.
The father was found dead at the bottom of a car park at LAX airport on 24 November after flying out to search for his missing daughter. His death was ruled as a suicide.
In the post, Sydni said: "As my late father’s next of kin, I’m solely responsible for costs associated with his passing and funeral.
"Your donations will also help me pay for our father’s funeral expenses."
In an update on the case shared last week, the Los Angeles Police Department revealed that Kobayashi had crossed the US/Mexico border on 12 November.
Following this, she finally contacted her family earlier this week - with her loved ones saying they were 'incredibly relieved and grateful that she has been found safe'.
In the wake of this development, Sydni shared a GoFundMe post on Thursday (12 December) explaining what would happen to the $46,481(£36,787) which had been raised.
It read: "We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe.
"This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family.
"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.
"We are turning donations off, and any donor who would like a refund can submit a claim by December 18th, and it will be honoured."
Sydni was listed as the organiser of the fundraiser, while Kobayashi's mother Brandi Yee was listed as the beneficiary.
GoFundMe confirmed donations had been disabled and directed donors to their website if they wish to seek a refund.
Olivia Burke