The police in the Bahamas are looking for Chicago woman Taylor Casey, who has been missing since last Wednesday after she attended a yoga retreat in the small Caribbean nation.
Taylor’s family said her disappearance is highly unusual, and they are deeply concerned about her welfare.
The 41-year-old was last seen on June 19 at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, a small resort off New Providence near the capital city Nassau.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued an alert and released a missing persons flyer two days later.
The local cops have not released any information on the circumstances of Taylor’s disappearance, and they have not said if foul play is suspected.
In a statement posted to social media, Taylor’s mother, Collette Seymore, explained her concerns, “I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return. Taylor would never disappear like this.”
Seymore added, “We are deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and well-being. We love Taylor and want her home.”
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelRoyal Bahamas Police Force and family are searching for Chicago woman Taylor Casey
The family said they would be traveling to New Providence and Nassau to coordinate with the police and assist in searching for their loved one.
Taylor’s family described her as a light-skinned Black woman. She is about 5 feet 10 inches tall and approximately 145 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Her natural hair is often covered by a durag.
Taylor was also described as having a “loving and vibrant personality.” She has been interested in yoga for about 15 years and had hoped her experience in the Bahamas would give her a new insight that she could then pass on to others.
Her friends and family have set up a Facebook page, Find Taylor Casey, to provide support and help people share information on Taylor.
US State Department updated warning for Bahamas prior to Taylor Casey disappearance
Earlier this year, the US State Department issued a level 2 warning for travelers to the Bahamas, suggesting visitors “exercise increased caution” due to increased crime rates. The advisory notice stated that the majority of crime occurs on the New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.
The crime mainly comes from gang-on-gang violence, which doesn’t tend to affect tourists, but there has also been a rise in burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
The advisory notice also asks US citizens to exercise caution while participating in water sports, as sharks may be in the water and boating equipment may not meet high safety standards.