An investigation is underway into the mysterious disappearance of a Chicago woman who went on a yoga retreat in the Bahamas in June, shortly after the United States issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the island due to crime.
Taylor Casey, 41, of Chicago, went missing while attending a Sivananda Ashram yoga retreat on Paradise Island in Nassau, the Royal Bahamas Police Department said in a flyer posted on Facebook. Casey was last seen on June 19 and is currently listed as a missing person by police.
As the investigation into Casey’s disappearance continues, here’s what we know so far.
When did Taylor Casey disappear and where was she?
Authorities said Casey disappeared while attending the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island in Nassau. Organizers of the program said their discovery came to light on June 20 when “she failed to show up to her morning class.”
“Taylor Casey, a participant in our yoga certification program, is missing,” Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat posted on Facebook earlier this week. “She was last seen at the retreat late in the evening on June 19th,” the statement continued.
The statement also asked anyone with information about Casey’s whereabouts to contact local police.
“The ashram is cooperating with authorities in the investigation,” the statement said. “Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.”
The group’s Facebook page describes the retreat as “a vibrant yoga ashram offering vacations, classes, teacher trainings, cleansing and detox programs, healing arts training, family programs, kirtan and more.”
According to the group’s website, visitors can rent a variety of accommodations for their stay at the ashram, including rooms, huts and tents.
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreats did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for comment.
Family travels to the Bahamas to meet with authorities
Earlier this week, Casey’s mother, Colette Seymour, said in a press release that family and friends are “deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and well-being.”
“We love Taylor and want her to come home,” said the statement posted to the public Facebook group “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 statement, Seymour is scheduled to visit Paradise Island and Nassau this week to coordinate with local authorities.
Latest news from the police
According to a recent report from the Nassau Guardian, police are using drones, divers and dog units to search for Casey. At a local press conference on Wednesday, Nassau Police Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings reported that Casey’s cell phone was found in the ocean and recovered, but her belongings are still at the ashram.
“Our number one priority is finding Taylor and finding Taylor in good health,” Skippings said, as reported by the Nassau Guardian.
Police reportedly searched both the island and the surrounding area, and authorities were unable to confirm what type of accommodation Casey was staying in during her stay.
The media also reported that the head of the Bahamas Tourism Board met with family members and local police as part of the investigation.
“Police investigations are ongoing,” tourism director Latia Duncombe told local reporters. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.” [who] He is missing and I am sure the authorities are doing everything they can to bring some resolution.”
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.”
Duncombe mentioned the travel advisory this week, according to the Nassau Guardian.
“We need to ensure that this destination is safe and that tourists feel safe when they come to The Bahamas,” Duncombe said. “Any time there’s a strange incident, it adds to the anxiety. We want to handle it in a very measured way.”
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.
