Friends and family of a missing Portland State University student are asking for the public's help finding Kevin Ping, who was last seen Tuesday and is feared to be suicidal.

Ping, 21, of Beaverton, left his Southwest Wallingford Way home about 9 a.m. and was last heard from three and a half hours later when he sent his mother a text message saying he loved her, according to a Beaverton Police report. His friend called police concerned that Ping may be suicidal at about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday. She told police Ping's mother had not heard from him in 24 hours.

Ping has made suicidal statements in the past, his friends and family told police. His family members also found a note on his computer that expressed a desire to die, the police report says.

Ping left his home in a silver 2013 Toyota Prius, with an Oregon license plate of 380-GJJ. Police sent out a bulletin to other law enforcement agencies asking that they look for the car.

His mother, Rachina Ping, told The Oregonian that her son likes to visit the Mt. Hood area and Corvallis.

"He is such a great, great kid," she said.

Kevin Ping also likes to drive to the coast and has taken a trip to Seattle in the past, his friends told police.

His family members have tried calling him multiple times, and, on Wednesday, his phone went directly to voicemail, they reported. Police tried to determine his location through his phone, according to the police report, but they could not do so because the phone was turned off.

Detective Sgt. Jim Shumway, a Beaverton police spokesman, said a detective is working on the case. Foul play is not suspected.

Kevin Ping's family says it is offering a $3,000 reward for information that leads to finding him.

Anyone with information about Ping's whereabouts should call police.

-- Rebecca Woolington