Authorities in the Bahamas have launched an investigation into the disappearance of Taylor Casey, a Chicago woman who vanished during a yoga retreat on Paradise Island.

Local officials discovered Casey's cellphone in the water, prompting concerns about her safety, according to ABC7.

Casey, 41, had been participating in a month-long yoga instructor retreat with Bahamas Yoga Retreat when she failed to attend classes starting June 20, according to reports.

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Mysterious Disappearance Unfolds

Chicago woman's disappearance has left her family and friends in distress as they await news from authorities in the Bahamas.

She was last seen on June 19 at the retreat on Paradise Island, a popular tourist destination near New Providence, The Washington Post reports.

According to statements from the missing Chicago woman's family, she was passionate about yoga and had traveled to the Sivananda Ashram's Bahamas Yoga Retreat to deepen her practice.

She regularly communicated with loved ones until her sudden silence raised alarm.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a missing person alert on June 21, seeking information from the public.

They confirmed finding Casey's cellphone in nearby waters, although details about its location relative to the retreat remain unclear.

Authorities have deployed drones, search-and-rescue dogs, and divers in their search efforts, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.

Casey's mother, Colette Seymore, expressed deep worry over her daughter's well-being, emphasizing that Casey "would never disappear like this."

The disappearance occurred against the backdrop of a US State Department travel advisory cautioning visitors about crime in the Bahamas.

The advisory, active since January, warns of violent crime, including burglaries, sexual assaults, and armed robberies, primarily on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.

Retreat Center's Response and Community Support

The Sivananda Ashram's Bahamas Yoga Retreat, where Casey was last seen, issued a statement acknowledging her disappearance and pledging cooperation with authorities.

They revealed that the missing Chicago woman was absent from morning classes on June 20, prompting immediate notification to local law enforcement and her family.

In a heartfelt appeal through social media and local press, Colette Seymore urged anyone with information to come forward.

She described her daughter as a vibrant community leader deeply committed to yoga and helping others.

Local officials, including Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings, assured the public of their commitment to Casey's safe return.

Despite finding her cellphone in the ocean, Casey's belongings remained at the retreat, adding to the mystery surrounding her disappearance, NBC 5 Chicago noted.

As the search intensifies, the missing Chicago woman's family and friends are mobilizing on social media platforms to spread awareness and gather information.

They described Casey as a loving and caring individual with a strong connection to her community, underscoring her positive impact on those around her.

Authorities and the community remain hopeful for Casey's safe return, emphasizing the ongoing investigation's priority to locate her swiftly and ensure her well-being.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Chicago woman's cell phone found 1 week after Bahamas disappearance - From ABC 7 Chicago