Victor Wembanyama’s post helps lead to missing man found at O’Hare

Chicago police said Tuesday night that Elijah Hoard, the 23-year-old who vanished after being dropped off at O’Hare International Airport, has been found safe and reunited with his family. NBA star victor wembanyama posted an Instagram plea for help the day before Hoard was located.

Police did not immediately provide additional details on how Hoard was found on Tuesday night. The family has said Hoard, who had spent 10 days visiting his father in Chicago, never boarded his scheduled return flight to France.

Victor Wembanyama urged help on social media

On Monday, victor wembanyama posted an Instagram story that said, "Our friend Elihah has been missing from Chicago O'Hare since February 27th. If you have any information, please reach out to local authorities. " The public plea came as family members and siblings appealed for help in locating Hoard on Feb. 27 and in the days that followed.

Last seen at O’Hare and family concerns

Family members said Hoard was dropped off by his father at O’Hare on Friday as he was set to return home to France but never boarded the flight; his bags were not registered and he did not check in. Surveillance footage shows Hoard going through security and later leaving Terminal 5, then heading toward another terminal on Feb. 27, police said.

His father, Antwon Hoard, said Elijah's phone had been off since Friday evening and he did not have much money to be on his own for more than a few days. Antwon also said Hoard's mood had swung in the two days before he disappeared and that his son was reluctant to return to France. Hoard's sister said he suffers from schizophrenia and cannot go without his medication.

Chicago police located Elijah on Tuesday and reunited him with his family, but did not immediately release details about the circumstances of his recovery. The family has expressed relief that he is safe after the period of concern following his last confirmed sighting at O’Hare on Feb. 27.