2004 Hyundai Tiburon Hatchback release

Does anyone have any idea how to get the hatch open on a tiburon when the release mechanism seems to be broken. My electric switch works the upper part of the locking mechanism of the hatch but does not release. The same with the key. I have spent hours squashed in the hatch trying different things to get it open and nothing has worked. Can not get to the mechanism without opening the hatch (fasteners are in the hidden areas to remove panels) and can't figure out how to trigger the latch from inside or outside the car.