Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Father Of Three Missing After A Night Out With Friends
An Air Force vet and father of three is missing after a night out with friends in Hermosa Beach. Michael David Vanzandt, 36, vanished on Saturday night from Pier Plaza, KTLA reports. Vanzandt was last seen leaving a line outside of the American Junkie restaurant, located at 68 Pier Avenue, at about 10:15 p.m., then walking to Roberts Liquor next door. After that, Vanzandt's friends lost sight of him and weren't sure where he went. They attempted to call his cell phone a total of 22 times, but he did not answer, ABC 7 reports.
Earlier, Vanzandt and his friends watched the UFC fight and decided to check into a Quality Inn hotel instead of driving back to Lancaster. The friends returned to the hotel at around 2 a.m., then waited for Vanzandt until about 1 p.m., Sunday afternoon. His car was found at the Quality Inn, right where he had parked it, and his belongings were undisturbed.
Vanzandt works at Edwards Air Force Base and did not show up for his shift on Monday. He's the father of three children and is currently in the midst of a divorce with his wife, Krishain Vanzandt. She told ABC 7 that Vanzandt would never "just up and leave" his children.
Vanzandt's brother, Tyler Vanzandt, is concerned that he may have tried to go for a swim.
"He's somebody that does like to take swims at night, you know, after he's been drinking," he told ABC 7.
Vanzandt is described as a white male who is about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. He has multiple tattoos including a tiger on his upper left arm, a Buddha on his back and the word "KEATON" on his left calf. Anyone with information should contact Detective Joshua Droz with the Hermosa Beach Police Department at 310-318-0334.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
