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Who Is Taylor Casey, the Chicago Woman Who Vanished During a Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas?

A summer yoga retreat in the Bahamas was supposed to be an enriching experience for Taylor Casey. Friends and family of the 41-year-old Chicago yoga practitioner were thrilled to hear all this. But no one has seen or heard from her for over a week.

  • Casey has not been seen Since the evening of June 19, according to a representative of her family. Ashram staff notified the U.S. Embassy and the woman’s family as soon as she failed to show up for a morning class on June 20, according to a Facebook post from the ashram.
  • On June 21, the Royal Bahamas Police Force posted a missing person flyer on its Facebook page, asking that information be shared with its Criminal Investigation Department or a tip line. The police did not mention any suspicion of foul play.
  • Royal Bahamas Police Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters that investigators found Casey’s cellphone in nearby waters.
  • The US State Department issued a travel advisory to the Bahamas on January 26, urging them to exercise increased caution due to crime. He noted that violent crimes, sexual assaults, burglaries and thefts occur in tourist and non-tourist areas, with the majority of crimes occurring on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Casey has been practicing yoga for 15 years and often travels abroad to learn more about the lifestyle and culture, according to a news release issued Monday on behalf of her family. Family members described her as a dynamic and loving person and said she went to the retreat “to fulfill a long-term goal of deepening her practice.”

Casey had regularly kept his friends and family informed of his stay. They say she couldn’t wait to tell them about her trip and get home. Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, told CBS News that she received a photo of the beach and a message from her daughter on June 18, which read: “I miss you, mom.” I miss you. Look, I’m at the beach. »

That was the last time she heard from her daughter.

“I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return,” Seymore wrote in the press release. “Taylor would never just disappear.”

Where is Paradise Island?

The ashram is on Paradise Island, a small island connected to downtown Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, by bridges a third of a mile long. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence.

Paradise Island is home to many tourist attractions, including the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas.

It is also the setting for the Sivananda Ashram yoga retreat, which Taylor was attending.

What is Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat?

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat uses the combined practices of a traditional ashram — a spiritual monastery commonly found in India — and a modern yoga center. The ashram hosts dozens of programs and retreats throughout the year. Casey was participating in the ashram’s yoga certification program, according to the center’s post.

The ashram teaches Sivananda-style yoga and has a strict daily schedule including meditation, breathing practices, yoga postures and learning, according to the organization’s website. The ashram was opened in 1967 by Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of yoga master Swami Sivananda. Vishnudevananda opened a number of yoga centers in the West inspired by Sivananda’s teachings.

What is the latest news on the investigation?

Police conducted searches around the ashram but have since widened their search area, Skippings said, adding that police are also examining CCTV footage. Investigators have spoken to a number of people at the ashram and will continue to do so, she said. They have also been in contact with Casey’s family. His mother plans to travel to the island to help with the search, the family said in its news release.

Skippings reminded the public that they can remain anonymous while reporting information to aid in the investigation at 242-300-8476.

“That’s the most important thing for us right now,” Skippings said. “We want to get Taylor back.”

Kim Bellware contributed to this report.

News Source : www.washingtonpost.com
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