What we know so far – NBC Chicago

June 27, 2024

An investigation is underway after a woman from Chicago mysteriously disappeared while attending a yoga retreat in the Bahamas in June. Shortly before, the USA had issued a “Level 2” travel warning for the island due to crime.

Taylor Casey, 41, of Chicago, was attending the Sivananda Ashram yoga retreat on Paradise Island in Nassau when she disappeared, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a flier posted on Facebook. She was last seen on June 19 and is currently listed as missing by police.

As the investigation into Casey’s disappearance continues, here’s what we currently know.

When did Taylor Casey disappear and where was she?

According to authorities, Casey was attending a yoga retreat at the Sivananda Ashram on Paradise Island in Nassau when she disappeared. Organizers of the program say Casey’s disappearance was discovered on June 20 “when she failed to attend morning classes.”

“Taylor Casey, a participant in our yoga certification program, is missing,” the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat posted on Facebook earlier this week. “She was last seen at the retreat late in the evening of June 19,” the statement continued.

The statement further asked that anyone with information on Casey’s whereabouts contact local police.

“The Ashram is cooperating with the authorities in the investigation,” the statement said. “Your support is greatly appreciated.”

The group’s Facebook page states that the retreat is a “living yoga ashram offering retreats, courses and teacher trainings, as well as cleanses, detoxification programs, healing arts training, family programs, kirtan and more.”

According to the group’s website, visitors can rent a variety of accommodation options for their stay at the ashram, including rooms, huts and tents.

The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for comment.

Family travels to the Bahamas to meet with authorities

Earlier this week, Colette Seymore, Casey’s mother, said in a press release that family and friends were “deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and well-being.”

“We love Taylor and want to bring her home,” said the press release, posted in a public Facebook group titled “Find Taylor Casey.”

Seymore’s statement added that Casey was eager to share her experiences from the yoga retreat with others upon her return, which led her to believe her daughter might be in danger.

“Taylor would never disappear like this,” the statement said.

According to the press release, Seymore is scheduled to travel to Paradise Island and Nassau later this week to coordinate with local authorities.

Latest reports from the police

The latest report from the Nassau Guardian says police have used drones, divers and a dog unit in their search for Casey. During a local press conference on Wednesday, Nassau Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings reported that Casey’s cellphone had been found and recovered at sea, but her belongings were still at the ashram.

“Let me say that our priority is to find Taylor and to do so in good health,” Skippings said in the Nassau Guardian report.

According to the report, police searched both the island and the surrounding area. Officers were unable to confirm what type of accommodation Casey was staying in during her stay at the retreat.

The outlet also noted that the Bahamas Director General of Tourism met with family members and local police as part of the investigation.

“The police investigation is ongoing,” tourism director Latia Duncombe told local reporters. “Our condolences go out to the family of the missing person and I am sure the authorities are doing everything in their power to bring about a resolution.”

In January, the United States issued a “Level 2” travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning that travelers to the Bahamas should “exercise increased caution due to crime.”

“Most crime occurs on the islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport),” 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.”

The Nassau Guardian reported that Duncombe addressed the travel warning this week.

“It’s a safe destination and we need to make sure that visitors feel safe in The Bahamas,” Duncombe said. “When an unusual incident occurs, it’s a concern and we want to make sure we respond to it in a very measured way.”

NBC Chicago has reached out to Casey’s family, the yoga retreat and the Royal Bahamas Police Force for more information. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.