Yoga Retreat Attendee Missing In The Bahamas, Mother Advocates For Her Return

On June 21, the Royal Bahamas Police Force publicized a missing person report for a 41-year-old Black woman named Taylor Casey. Casey had traveled to the Paradise Island area for a month-long yoga retreat.

The missing person report showed a photo of Taylor with dark hair, a “light brown” complexion, and wearing glasses. Other information about her noted that she has a slim build, is about 145 pounds, and is around 5 feet and 10 inches tall. The document stated that she was last seen on June 19. A press release posted on a Facebook page dedicated to finding Taylor added that she has natural hair, “often covered by a durag.”

People.com detailed that organizers at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas were the first to report the 41-year-old missing. The organizers reportedly alerted the woman’s family and the U.S. embassy after she didn’t attend her morning class on June 20. The missing Chicago resident was reportedly working toward getting a yoga certification at the retreat.

How Is Taylor Casey’s Family Dealing With The News?

Taylor’s mother, Colette Seymore, has expressed numerous concerns regarding her child’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. In a statement, Colette shared her belief that her daughter is “in danger.”

The worried mother noted that Taylor — who has been practicing yoga for 15 years — “was eager to share her yoga experience with others upon her return.” The press release detailed that the yoga enthusiast went to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat “to fulfill a long-term goal of deepening her practice.”

“Taylor would never disappear like this,” Colette said.

In conversation with ABC News, the mother added, “Taylor always calls me, keeps in touch. Taylor sent me beautiful pictures from the Bahamas, Taylor in the ocean. We want Taylor home. We need Taylor in our lives. We miss Taylor.”

Notably, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory in January for American citizens visiting the Bahamas. Level 2 encourages travelers to implement “increased caution.”

What Else Is There To Know About Taylor Casey’s Disappearance?

As of this report, a Chuffed fundraiser has raised over $11,000 out of a $25,000 goal to mobilize Taylor’s family and friends. The fundraiser shared that donations will go toward “setting up a legal team to navigate this international search,” and paying travel expenses for those within the U.S. to “gather and advocate for Taylor.”

Moreover, the money raised will also support up to five family members or friends to get to the Bahamas. Colette is reportedly there and has met with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The search for her daughter remains ongoing. CNN reported in June that police found the yoga lover’s phone somewhere in the water, although it’s unclear how far from her retreat it was.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Royal Bahamas Police Force at 502-9991/2 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).