The search for a 30-year-old Las Vegas woman whose belongings were found on the sand in Venice Beach has been suspended, the United States Coast Guard announced Thursday evening.
The Coast Guard rescue crews searched a combined total of 65 square miles over the course of approximately 21 hours, utilizing helicopters, small boats, and cutter.
Investigators identified the victim as Ashanta Ayana Elise Cobb-McNeil, who also goes by Loni Legend.
The announcement of the suspension of the search for Cobb-McNeil was announced at approximately 7:20 p.m. Thursday.
“It is always difficult to suspend a search for a missing person. We put a lot of thought and care into the decision,” said Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. “Our hearts go out to Ashanta’s family, friends and loved ones. We are grateful to our partner agencies and everyone who assisted in the search.”
The Los Angeles Police Department contacted Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday about a report from a good Samaritan who discovered the victim’s phone, shoes, wallet, and passport unattended on the sand, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Public Affairs.
The Coast Guard deployed rescue crews from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach and Air Station Ventura, while the cutter Narwhal searched nearby waters. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Santa Monica lifeguards conducted shoreline and water searches, with the LAPD coordinating land efforts.
Anyone with information regarding Cobb-McNeil’s whereabouts was urged to call local authorities or 911.