A family in Chicago is living a nightmare after their loved one vanished from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas.
Taylor Casey, a 41-year-old woman, was last seen on June 19, and her cell phone has been discovered at the bottom of the ocean.
Last Seen at the Retreat
Casey was attending the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, known for its beautiful tropical gardens and white-sand beaches.
She missed a morning yoga class on June 20, raising alarm among the retreat staff, and was subsequently reported missing.
Concerning Call
Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, received a distressing call from the retreat asking if she had heard from her daughter.
The last communication she had with Casey was a series of pictures from the Atlantic Ocean.
Seymore has since traveled to the Bahamas to assist in the search for her daughter.
Missing Person Details
Casey has been practicing yoga for 15 years and had been at the retreat since June 3, aiming to deepen her practice.
She is described as a light-skinned black woman, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
She often wore a durag over her natural hair.
A native of Hazel Crest, a suburb of Chicago, Casey was reportedly eager to return home and share her retreat experiences with friends.
Increased Crime Warnings
Earlier this year, the US State Department raised the travel advisory for the Bahamas to level two, advising travelers to exercise increased caution due to rising crime levels, particularly on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.
Despite these warnings, the Bahamas remains a popular destination for American tourists.
Investigation and Appeals
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.
They urge anyone with information about Casey’s disappearance to contact the police.
Casey’s family members have also traveled to the Bahamas to aid in the search.
Safety Concerns for Travelers
Travel experts like CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg highlight the risks associated with gang violence in the Bahamas and other regions.
He advises travelers to avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods and to be cautious when venturing out at night. Additionally, US tourists are warned about taking boat tours that may not be properly regulated.
Travel Advice
Despite the crime warnings, the Bahamas remains a favored destination for US tourists.
Experts advise travelers to always be aware of their surroundings and to exercise caution, such as not opening hotel doors to strangers.
Taylor Casey’s disappearance has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a fulfilling and transformative retreat, leaving her family and friends desperate for answers.
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