Photo: Los Angeles Police Department
Authorities in California revealed the cell phone of a missing college student was discovered at Los Angeles International Airport as mystery surrounds her disappearance.
According to KTTV, Noelle Lynch, a 23-year-old student at Sacramento State University, left her parents' house in a "difficult state of mind" on April 1.
Mark Lynch, Noelle's father, told SFGate she got into a car accident in the early hours of April 2. At least two vehicles were involved in the crash, but nobody was hurt. Noelle's family said her car was totaled in the incident.
His wife then booked a hotel room for their daughter near LAX where they planned to meet, but Lynch never appeared. The last time the couple heard from their daughter was on April 3, when she spoke with them from a "strange person's phone."
According to LAPD, the 23-year-old was last seen on surveillance video walking from an Inglewood apartment in the 900 block of East Redondo Boulevard around 5 p.m. on April 3. Officials said she left her belongings in the apartment and "may not be able to identify herself."
On Thursday (April 11), police said Lynch's phone was found at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter, but it's unclear whether she boarded a plane.
"She always calls," Mark Lynch told reporters. "This is very out of character. She has had a tough time, but she has always called."
Authorities described Noelle as a white woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds. The college student was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt, green sweatpants with a military logo, and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is urged to call the LAPD's Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.