In the picturesque surroundings of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, a Southern California woman’s disappearance has cast a shadow over the tranquility of the region known for its yoga retreats.
Nancy Ng, a 29-year-old from Monterey Park, California, went missing in mid-October 2023 while on her annual retreat, an event that has left her family and authorities searching for answers.
Ng embarked on her trip to the retreat on October 14 and was reported missing five days later, on October 19, by the retreat’s organizer after failing to return after kayaking. The subsequent search efforts have been extensive, with rescue teams combing 95% of the area by air, land, and water, but to no avail. Despite these exhaustive searches, no trace of Ng has been found.
Nicky Ng, Nancy’s sister, has publicly articulated the family’s anguish over Nancy’s unknown status and whereabouts. The distress has been compounded by a lack of substantial information on exactly how and where Nancy disappeared. The family’s plight, described as a “living hell,” has mobilized both U.S. and Guatemalan authorities, including the FBI, to intensify their investigative efforts.
Ng’s family, grappling with the lack of closure, has been actively involved with the search. They have set up a GoFundMe page to support the search efforts, which has also served as a platform for updating concerned supporters. Despite the family’s tireless efforts and the involvement of various search teams, the circumstances of Ng’s disappearance remain shrouded in mystery.
There has been a call for people who may have information to come forward, as Ng’s whereabouts during and after the retreat are still unaccounted for. The investigation is ongoing, with the hope that someone will provide a lead that could bring Nancy Ng back home.
The community in Guatemala and Monterey Park has been alerted, and locals are being asked to report any sightings or information that may be relevant to the case. The incident has also sparked discussions about safety and preparedness when traveling abroad for retreats or similar activities.
As the search continues, the family of Nancy Ng remains hopeful but is faced with the daunting reality of not knowing what has become of their loved one. The mystery of her disappearance during what was supposed to be a peaceful yoga retreat lingers, with few clues to guide those looking for her.
