Search Suspended For Actress Whose Belongings Were Found On Venice Beach

VENICE, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a woman who remains missing after her belongings were found unattended on Venice Beach Wednesday night.

A Good Samaritan contacted the Los Angeles Police Department afterdiscovering a phone, shoes, wallet and passport on the sand south of the Venice Beach Pier Wednesday night. Authorities identified the missing person as Ashanta Ayana Elise Cobb-McNeil, 30, of Las Vegas. Her loved ones said she sometimes goes by "Loni Legend," according to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard crews searched a total of 65 square miles over 21 hours, using helicopters, small boats and a cutter, authorities said.

Additionally, Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguards, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department assisted with shoreline and land searches.

The Coast Guard on Thursday announced it was suspending the search.

"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."

Anyone with information regarding Cobb-McNeil's whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities.