Family of missing Chicago woman traveling to Bahamas to join search effort

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The family of a Chicago woman missing in the Bahamas will travel to the islands Tuesday to join the search effort.

Taylor Casey's mother said she's "deeply concerned for Taylor's safety and well-being" and that Taylor "would never disappear like this."

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The 41-year-old woman from Chicago disappeared from Paradise Island, Bahamas last Wednesday. She was there for a yoga retreat with Yoga Retreat Bahamas.

Two days later, the Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a missing person poster, alerting the public.

Tuesday, her family has plans to fly to the Bahamas to help search for her. They say she is known for her vibrant and loving personality and has been practicing yoga for 15 years.

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She went to the yoga retreat to fulfill a long-term goal of deepening her practice. Her mother said, "I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return... Taylor would never disappear like this."

Her family said, they'll coordinate with local authorities, once they land in the Bahamas Tuesday to search for Taylor.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson issued a statement, saying:

• We are aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in the Bahamas.
• When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.
• The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families.
• Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment.

The Yoga Retreat Bahamas has issued the following statement:

"The Yoga Retreat Bahamas confirms the disappearance of a participant at a yoga certification retreat, and that they have asked the police to investigate.The organization has also advised the US Embassy as well as Taylor Casey's family. Ms. Casey's disappearance was discovered on June 20th when she failed to attend morning classes. The last time she was seen at the retreat was late on the evening of June 19th. In the interim it is collaborating with the authorities on their investigation."

Her family urges anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward and say, every lead is crucial to help find her.