Cleveland, Ohio — Authorities are searching for a 24-year-old Maryland father who disappeared after traveling to Cleveland for an NFL game, with police asking the public for information that could help determine what happened to him.
Phoenix Phillips was last seen on Friday, Oct. 2, at 1444 West 10th Street in Cleveland, according to a missing-person bulletin issued by the Cleveland Division of Police.
Phillips was visiting the city from out of state and had attended the Pittsburgh Steelers versus Cleveland Browns game on Thursday, Oct. 1, according to local reports.
Police said the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.
Phillips Was Visiting Cleveland for the NFL Game
Phillips traveled to Cleveland to attend the Browns-Steelers matchup and was reportedly with another person while visiting the city. At some point after arriving in the area, however, Phillips became separated from the person he was traveling with.
“He’s from out of state, so he was in town visiting and at some point kind of got separated from the person he was with,” Cleveland police public information officer Sgt. Freddy Diaz said.
“After that,” he added, “we’re still trying to determine what actually happened.”
The circumstances have raised concerns among investigators, particularly because Phillips is not from the Cleveland area and may not be familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods. Police previously described the circumstances of his disappearance as “concerning.”
Family Describes Phillips as a Devoted Dad
Phillips’ disappearance has left his family deeply worried as the search continues.
Cleveland Missing social worker Breejanee Alford said Phillips’ relatives have described him as a devoted father who traveled to Cleveland because of his love for the Steelers.
“The family is devastated,” Alford said. “They’re telling me that he’s a loving dad and he also loves the Steelers. That’s why he came for the Browns game.”
The comments highlight why Phillips’ loved ones are particularly concerned about his whereabouts and are hoping someone who may have encountered him since Friday can provide investigators with useful information.
Police Search Area Where He Was Last Seen
Cleveland detectives have been actively searching the area where Phillips was last seen.
Diaz said investigators are also working to locate surveillance and other video footage that could help establish Phillips’ movements after he became separated from the person he was with.
Police are continuing to follow tips as they attempt to determine where the missing father may have gone. Authorities have noted that Phillips may be traveling on foot, making public assistance especially important in the search.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what may have happened after Phillips was last seen.
Police Release Description of Missing Dad
Authorities released a physical description and details about what Phillips was wearing when he disappeared.
Phillips is described as:
- 24 years old
- 6 feet, 1 inch tall
- Approximately 170 pounds
- Brown hair
- Blue eyes
He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, beige pants and white sneakers.
Because Phillips is from outside the Cleveland area, investigators are asking anyone who may have seen him or noticed someone matching his description to come forward.
Police Ask Public to Help Locate Phillips
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Phillips’ whereabouts to contact Cleveland police.
Anyone who knows where Phillips may be or has information that could help investigators determine his movements after he was last seen is asked to call 216-623-5300 or 216-621-1234.
Even information that may appear minor could potentially help detectives piece together a timeline and determine where Phillips went after becoming separated from his companion.
For Phillips’ family, the search has now become an urgent effort to bring their loved one home safely.
If you are in the Cleveland area or know someone who may have seen Phoenix Phillips since Oct. 2, share this story and contact police with any information that could help locate him.
