By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
French basketball player Elijah Hoard has been found safe in Chicago after being reported missing, his sister Anaia confirmed.
“We are extremely relieved,” she wrote on social media, thanking everyone who shared information and supported the family during the difficult period, as well as the Chicago police and the French consulate for their assistance.
The 23-year-old, younger brother of French international and Maccabi Tel Aviv power forward Jaylen Hoard, disappeared on Friday after visiting his father, Antwon, who had dropped him off at Chicago’s airport for a flight back to France. However, the former ASVEL prospect never boarded the plane.
Chicago police had opened an investigation into a concerning disappearance after surveillance cameras spotted him in the outskirts of the city. According to his father, Hoard’s mood had changed significantly in the days prior, and he had expressed that he did not want to return home.
Following the news, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama also expressed relief after his team’s 131–91 NBA win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
“He’s been found… I’m so happy,” Wembanyama said. “We’ve been close for a long time, our families too. I’m really relieved that he’s safe.”