**Chicago Woman Taylor Casey Missing on Bahamas Yoga Retreat as Mom is ‘Deeply Concerned’**
The serene backdrop of Paradise Island in the Bahamas has turned into a scene of distress for the family of Taylor Casey, a 41-year-old Chicago woman who vanished while attending a yoga retreat. Casey, an avid yoga practitioner for 15 years, was last seen on June 19 at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat. Her disappearance has left her family, particularly her mother, Colette Seymore, deeply concerned and fearing for her safety.
**A Passionate Yogi**
Taylor Casey’s journey to the Bahamas was meant to be a fulfilling experience, a chance to deepen her yoga practice and return to Chicago with newfound knowledge to share with her community. Yoga had been a significant part of her life for over a decade and a half, and this retreat was a long-term goal she was eager to achieve. However, her sudden disappearance has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a transformative experience.
**The Disappearance**
According to a news release from Casey’s family, she was last seen on the evening of June 19. The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a missing person poster on June 21, alerting the public to her disappearance. The retreat organizers grew concerned when Casey failed to attend her morning class on June 20, prompting them to notify the authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
**Family’s Plea for Help**
Colette Seymore, Casey’s mother, has been vocal about her fears for her daughter’s safety. “We are deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and well-being,” Seymore said in a news release. She believes her daughter is in danger, emphasizing that Taylor was excited to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return. “Taylor would never disappear like this,” she added.
Seymore traveled to the Bahamas to meet with local authorities and assist in the search for her daughter. The family has also set up a Facebook page titled “Find Taylor Casey” to gather any information that could lead to her whereabouts. They urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing that every lead is crucial in their efforts to locate her.
**Physical Description and Appeal for Information**
Taylor Casey is described as a light-skinned Black woman, standing about 5-foot-10 inches tall and weighing approximately 145 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. The family and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help in finding her. The Royal Bahamas Police Force can be contacted at 502-9991/2, or Crime Stoppers at 328-8477.
**Community and Media Response**
The disappearance of Taylor Casey has garnered significant media attention, with various news outlets covering the story. The Associated Press reached out to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat for comments, but there was no immediate response. However, the retreat confirmed Casey’s disappearance to PEOPLE Magazine, stating that they became concerned when she didn’t show up for her class on June 20.
Friends and family have been scouring images and videos from the retreat, but so far, they have not found any trace of her. The community’s response has been one of solidarity, with many sharing the missing person poster and the Facebook page dedicated to finding her.
**Safety Concerns in the Bahamas**
The U.S. State Department had issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas earlier this year, advising Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime. The advisory highlighted that violent crimes, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas, particularly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence.
While the circumstances of Casey’s disappearance remain unclear, the advisory underscores the potential dangers that travelers might face in the region. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has not provided details on whether foul play is suspected in Casey’s case.
**A Mother’s Hope**
As the search for Taylor Casey continues, her mother remains hopeful yet deeply worried. “We love Taylor and want her home,” Seymore said. The family’s determination to find her is unwavering, and they continue to appeal to anyone who might have seen or heard anything related to her disappearance.
The case of Taylor Casey serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertainties that can arise even in the most serene and seemingly safe environments. The family’s plea for help and the community’s response highlight the collective effort needed to bring her back home safely.
**Conclusion**
The disappearance of Taylor Casey has left her family and friends in a state of anguish and uncertainty. As they continue their search, they hold onto hope and the support of the community. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities, as every piece of information could be vital in bringing Taylor Casey back to her loved ones.
**Source:** CNN, PEOPLE Magazine, Associated Press, Royal Bahamas Police Force
