American woman disappears while attending yoga retreat in Bahamas

An American woman who traveled to the Bahamas to attend a yoga retreat has been missing for nearly a week, her family and police said.

Taylor Casey, 41, of Chicago, was last seen June 19 in the Paradise Island area, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The search for Casey continued Tuesday, with authorities conducting ground and drone searches, police told ABC News.

Her family said she went missing while attending a yoga retreat on Paradise Island and were “deeply concerned” for her safety.

“I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return,” her mother, Colette Seymore, said in a statement Monday. “Taylor would never disappear like that.”

Casey, who has been practicing yoga for 15 years, was last seen at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas, her family said.

She was attending a yoga certification retreat when she failed to attend classes on the morning of June 20, the organization said. She was last seen on the evening of June 19 at the retreat, according to the organization, which said it had asked police to investigate.

“The Ashram is asking anyone with information about Ms. Casey to contact local law enforcement,” the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas organization said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday. “In the meantime, they are cooperating with authorities in their investigation.”

The organization said it also informed Casey’s family and the U.S. Embassy of his disappearance.

A State Department spokesperson told ABC News they are aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in the Bahamas.

“When a U.S. citizen goes missing, we work closely with local authorities in their search efforts, and we share information with families whenever possible,” the spokesperson said. “The Department of State has no higher priority than the well-being and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in need and their families.”

The spokesperson said the State Department had no further comment due to privacy concerns.

Casey is described as a light-skinned black woman, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She has natural hair that is often covered with a durag, her family said.

His family has urged anyone with information on Casey’s whereabouts to come forward.

“We are deeply concerned for Taylor’s safety and well-being,” her mother said. “We love Taylor and want her home.”

–Abigail Cruz of ABC News contributed to this report.