Hannah Kobayashi update: police say she chose to go to Mexico

Missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi willingly crossed into Mexico without informing her family, Los Angeles police have announced.

LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Kobayashi was last seen on Nov. 12 entering Mexico through the San Ysidro crossing, about 125 miles south of LA.

Surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed her walking alone with her luggage, appearing unharmed.

Investigators have found no evidence of foul play or human trafficking.

"This is now classified as a voluntary missing person case," McDonnell said during a news conference. "A simple message could reassure those who care about her."

He added that the case remains active until Kobayashi's safety is confirmed.

Events Leading to Kobayashi's Disappearance

Kobayashi flew to LA on Nov. 8, to visit relatives in New York.

She informed family members she would sleep at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after missing a connecting flight. The next day, she texted that she was sightseeing in LA, with plans to visit The Grove shopping destination and other locations.

On Nov. 11, her family received cryptic messages from her phone, saying she had been "intercepted" on a Metro train and feared identity theft, according to her aunt, Larie Pidgeon.

Police later determined that Kobayashi retrieved her luggage from LAX before leaving without her phone.

Investigators said she had expressed a desire "to step away from modern connectivity" and had been spotted in various locations around Los Angeles before crossing into Mexico.

Father's Death Ruled a Suicide

Kobayashi's father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to assist in the search.

However, he was found dead on Nov. 24, two weeks after her disappearance.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death as a suicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries, leaving his family devastated.

"We've basically done everything we can do at this point," McDonnell said, urging Kobayashi to contact her family or law enforcement.

"She's left the country and is in another nation now."

Loved Ones 'Worried Sick,' Warn Police

The case has drawn widespread public attention, including the creation of a Facebook group, "Help Us Find Hannah," which amassed over 25,000 members.

However, the family shut down the group after receiving threats against their lives.

A man seen with Kobayashi on a Metro train was identified and questioned by police. Investigators said he met her at LAX and he cooperated fully with their investigation, with no evidence of wrongdoing on his part having been found.

Two people she transferred an undisclosed amount of money to after missing her flight—Veronica Almendarez and Jonathan Taylor—are unknown to her family.

Meanwhile, Kobayashi's sister, Sydni Kobayashi, disputed police claims that Hannah intentionally missed her connecting flight.

"The lack of communication surrounding some important details has left us feeling excluded from potentially crucial developments," Sydni wrote on social media.

Authorities maintain their focus on confirming Kobayashi's safety.

"Think about the people you're leaving behind, your loved ones who are going to be worried sick about you," McDonnell said.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press