San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama recently expressed immense gratitude to the public following the safe location of his longtime friend, Elijah Hoard, who had gone missing after being dropped off at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Hoard, 23, was last seen on Friday after his father took him to the airport for a flight back to his native France, concluding a 10-day visit to Chicago. Reports indicated that Hoard never checked in for his scheduled flight nor did he board the plane, sparking concern among his family and friends.

The disappearance prompted a public appeal for assistance, with Wembanyama himself taking to Instagram on Monday to share news of Hoard's missing status and implore the public for help in the search. The NBA player's high-profile plea helped draw significant attention to the case, highlighting the urgency of finding his friend.

The search concluded successfully on Tuesday night when Hoard was found safe. Wembanyama shared the joyous news after the Spurs' 131-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. "He just got found, like one hour ago," Wembanyama stated, conveying his profound relief. "I'm so happy. We've been close for a long time, his family and mine. And we always think it happens to others. That was the first time I saw this case for a close person [to me]. I'm very, very relieved." Authorities had located Hoard via surveillance cameras in the nearby Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, and Wembanyama later reposted an update from Hoard's family confirming his safety.