The island yoga retreat where the Chicago woman was attending before she was reported missing in the Bahamas released a statement, the latest development in the case as authorities continue to investigate the woman’s disappearance.
“Taylor Casey, a participant in our yoga certification program, is missing,” Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat posted on Facebook earlier this week.
According to a flyer on the Royal Bahamas Police Department’s Facebook page, Casey, 41, of Chicago, was last seen on Paradise Island in Nassau on June 19.
Organisers of the Paradise Island yoga retreat said in a statement that Casey’s disappearance was discovered on June 20 when “she failed to attend her morning class”.
“She was last seen at the hideout late on the evening of June 19th,” the statement continued.
“Anyone with information regarding Casey’s whereabouts should contact local police immediately,” the statement continued. “The Ashram is cooperating with authorities in the investigation and we would appreciate your cooperation.”
Casey’s mother, Collette Seymour, also released a statement saying family and friends are “deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and wellbeing.”
“We love Taylor and want her to come home,” Seymour said in a press release posted to a public Facebook group titled “Find Taylor Casey.”
Seymour’s statement further said that upon returning home, Casey was eager to tell others about her experience at the yoga retreat, which led her to believe her daughter may have been in danger.
“Taylor would never disappear like this,” the statement said.
According to the announcement, Seymour was scheduled to visit Paradise Island and Nassau to coordinate with local authorities.
Police are using drones, divers and dog units to search for Casey, The Nassau Guardian reported. At a local press conference on Wednesday, Nassau Police Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said Casey’s cell phone was found in the ocean, but her belongings are still at the villa.
“Our number one priority is finding Taylor and finding Taylor in good health,” Skippings said, as reported by the Nassau Guardian.
In January, the United States issued a “Level 2” travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution in the Bahamas due to crime.”
“The majority of crimes occur in New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport),” the advisory states. “Violent crimes, including theft, armed robbery and sexual assault, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Caution is advised when staying in short-term vacation rental properties that do not have a private security company on-site.”
NBC Chicago is reaching out to Casey’s family, the yoga retreat and the Royal Bahamas Police Department for more information. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
