A search is underway for an American woman missing in the Bahamas, local police authorities said Tuesday.
Chicago resident Taylor Casey, 41, was last seen at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in Nassau on June 19, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The retreat issued a statement about the missing woman on their Instagram account on Wednesday.
“A participant from our yoga certification program, Taylor Casey is missing. On June 20th we requested the police investigate and informed the US Embassy and Ms. Casey’s family,” the retreat said.
“Ms. Casey’s disappearance was discovered on June 20th when she did not attend morning classes. She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19th.
“We urge anyone with information on Ms. Casey’s whereabouts to contact the local police immediately. The Ashram is working with authorities in their investigation. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.”
Her family said in a statement that Ms. Casey traveled to the Bahamas to attend the retreat.
“Taylor, known for her vibrant and loving personality, has been practicing yoga for 15 years and went to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat to fulfill a long-term goal of deepening her practice,” the statement said. “Eager to return to Chicago, she looked forward to sharing her newfound knowledge and experience with others.”
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are unknown. A missing person flyer released by local law enforcement did not provide specific details about the timeline or circumstances of her disappearance. Police also did not say whether foul play is suspected.
But her family believes her disappearance is suspicious because she was looking forward to coming home.
“I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return,” Colette Seymore, her mother, said in a statement.
“Taylor would never disappear like this,” she added.
The woman’s disappearance comes after the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning earlier this year to U.S. citizens visiting the Bahamas.
“Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime,” the level two travel advisory states, also warning that the majority of crime occurs on Nassau and Freeport islands.
“Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence,” the advisory states.
Violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, impact both tourist and non-tourist areas, according to the advisory.
The State Department also suggested that U.S. travelers avoid boat tours with commercial recreational watercraft since the activities are often unregulated.
In a post on the Facebook group called “Finding Taylor Casey,” one person pointed out her own personal experience at the yoga facility, noting that a boat ride is the only transportation off the retreat.
“I have been to this Yoga Retreat, the only way to leave is on their private boat to the main town of Nassau,” the person stated. “They know exactly who is there and who has left.”
The family has urged anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward, saying that “every lead is crucial in their efforts to locate her.”
Ms. Casey is described by her family as a light-skinned black woman, approximately five feet 10 inches tall and 145 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She also has natural hair that is often covered by a durag.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force could not be reached for comment on the missing person’s case.
Ms. Casey’s mother and a close friend traveled to the Bahamas on Wednesday to coordinate a search and assist local authorities with the investigation, according to media reports.
