Chicago police are searching for a 23-year-old man who vanished after being dropped off at O’Hare International Airport on Friday.
Elijah Hoard was scheduled to board a flight back to his home in France after visiting his father in Chicago for ten days.
His father, Antwon Hoard, dropped him off at the terminal for what was supposed to be a routine departure.
However, the young man never checked in for his flight and never registered his luggage.
The family confirms that Elijah’s phone has been turned off since Friday evening.
Antwon Hoard told ABC7 reporters that his son suffers from mental illness and showed a sudden change in mood before his scheduled departure.
During the final two days of the trip, Elijah became adamant about not wanting to return to France.
His father believes he could still be in or around the airport grounds.
The 23-year-old has very little money and is currently on his own in the city.
Elijah is described as 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a brown hoodie.
Safety and Security at O’Hare
O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest transit hubs in the world, making it difficult to track individuals who do not board their flights.
The Chicago Police Department is currently reviewing surveillance footage from the various terminals and transportation levels.
In recent years, the airport has seen an increase in “missing person” reports involving travelers experiencing mental health crises.
Security experts note that the vast size of the terminals can make it easy for a disoriented person to remain unnoticed for several days.
Last year, several similar cases ended with individuals being located in nearby suburbs or within the airport’s transit system (ATS).
The 16th District, which covers the O’Hare area, has increased patrols to assist in the search.
Community members are asked to keep a close watch on transit centers and public seating areas near the airport.
