Chicago woman disappears during yoga retreat in the Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (WGN) – Family members of a Chicago woman are searching for answers Monday after she disappeared during a yoga retreat in the Bahamas.

The whereabouts of 41-year-old Taylor Casey remain unknown nearly a week later, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. She was last seen on June 19 in the Paradise Island area of ​​Nassau.

Since her disappearance, a Facebook group called “Find Taylor Casey” has been created.

A family spokesman said Casey left Chicago to attend a yoga teacher training program in the Caribbean to achieve her long-term goal of deepening her practice.

Casey has been practicing yoga for 15 years.

Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, said she was deeply concerned for her daughter’s safety and well-being.

“I believe Taylor is in danger because when she returned, she was so keen to share her yoga retreat experience with others. Taylor would never disappear like that.”

Colette Seymore

Casey’s disappearance occurred months after the U.S. government issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas.

In the alert issued in late January, government officials warned visitors about water hazards and crime in certain parts of the country, including the area through which Casey had traveled.

“Most crimes occur on the islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). In Nassau, increased vigilance is advised in the Over the Hill area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence has led to a high murder rate, primarily affecting the local population,” the warning states. “Violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying in short-term rental vacation properties that do not have private security companies present.”

“Despite the warnings, it still seems to be a popular destination. We found it to be the second most popular destination for spring break travelers,” said travel insurance expert Megan Walch.

According to Walch, it is absolutely necessary to exercise increased caution in the context of the warning:

“Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not open the door of your hotel or accommodation if you do not know who is there.”

A family spokesman described the missing woman as a lively and loving person, adding that family members found it unusual that Casey had cut off contact with them.

Although there has been no news of Casey, her relatives said they remain hopeful that she will be found safe and sound.

To assist authorities in the search, Casey’s mother and a group of supporters will travel to the Bahamas on Tuesday.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the police.