Coast Guard suspends search for missing Las Vegas woman at Venice Beach
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a 30-year-old Las Vegas woman after her personal belongings were discovered abandoned on Venice Beach Wednesday night, following an extensive 21-hour operation covering 65 square miles.
Discovery triggers massive search effort
Ashanta Ayana Elise Cobb-McNeil, who also goes by “Loni Legend” according to family members, was reported missing after a good Samaritan found her phone, shoes, wallet, and passport unattended on the sand near Venice Beach Pier around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday.
The discovery prompted an immediate multi-agency response involving:
- U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and boats from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach
- Coast Guard Air Station Ventura crews
- Coast Guard cutter Narwhal
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Santa Monica lifeguards from LA County Fire Department
Search operations called off
After approximately 21 hours of intensive searching by air, sea, and land, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend operations at 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 Captain 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.”
Unusual circumstances raise concerns
The presence of Cobb-McNeil’s passport among the abandoned items has raised particular concern, as it suggests she may not have simply gone for a spontaneous swim. The combination of all her personal belongings left together on the beach has investigators treating the case with urgency.
Venice Beach, while a popular tourist destination, presents unique challenges for search operations due to:
- Heavy foot traffic from tourists and locals
- A large unhoused population living in tents and RVs
- Complex urban landscape along the shoreline
- Strong ocean currents and tides
Community assistance requested
Authorities continue to seek information from the public despite the suspended water search. The LAPD is maintaining its land-based investigation and coordinating with other agencies.
Anyone with information about Ashanta Ayana Elise Cobb-McNeil’s whereabouts is urged to contact:
- LAPD Missing Persons Unit: 877-275-5273
- Local authorities: 911
Missing persons in Nevada
This case adds to the approximately 200 active missing person cases in Nevada, according to Clark County Coroner Melanie Rouse. Recent high-profile cases from Las Vegas include reality TV personality Natalie “Nat D” DiDonato, who was found safe earlier this year, and the still-unsolved disappearance of insurance agent Irma Mkrtchyan 11 years ago.
The suspension of the search does not mean the case is closed. Land-based investigations typically continue, and the Coast Guard can resume water searches if new information emerges suggesting a specific search area.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/coast-guard-searches-missing-las-202708531.html
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Missing Persons
Date: 08/08/2025
