By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Elijah Hoard, brother of Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Jaylen Hoard, has been missing since Friday, February 27, after being dropped off at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport by his father, Antwon Hoard.
The 23-year-old was scheduled to return to France but never boarded his flight.
Chicago police have launched a missing person investigation and are reviewing airport surveillance footage to trace his movements. Authorities have warned that Elijah may need medical attention and urged anyone with information to contact the Missing Persons Unit.
Jaylen Hoard, his sister Leah Hoard and many others shared an appeal on social media, asking the public to spread the word.
NBA players have also raised awareness. Nicolas Batum tweeted:
“Elijah Hoard has been missing after being dropped by his father at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday.
If you have any information, please contact the local authorities.”
Guerschon Yabusele added:
“Elijah Hoard has been missing since Friday evening in Chicago. He was supposed to catch a flight to France but never boarded. If you have any information, please notify his family or detectives at Area One SVU at 312-747-8380. Thank you“.
Elijah is a former member of LDLC-ASVEL Villeurbanne’s academy and has continued his basketball career in lower-tier leagues. Authorities and family continue their search, asking anyone who might have seen him to come forward.