Missing Californian Woman’s Guatemalan Retreat Turns Nightmare

Nancy Ng, a dedicated educator for students with special needs in the Alhambra Unified School District, embarked on a yoga retreat in Guatemala on October 14th, 2022. Tragically, her journey took a sinister turn when she vanished on October 19th, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a heartbroken family.

Initially, authorities received reports that Ng had been kayaking with fellow retreat participants when she disappeared. However, as the search progressed, witnesses allegedly refused to cooperate, hindering the investigation’s progress.

In the days that followed Ng’s disappearance, search teams scoured the vast expanse of Lake Atitlán. Helicopter and boat crews tirelessly patrolled the waters, while local volunteers and private contractors lent their assistance. However, the lack of reliable information from witnesses led to a frustrating lack of progress.

As the search intensified, the Ng family hired a team of private helicopters, boats, divers, and drones to bolster their efforts. They even explored the possibility of using submarine sonar services, but the vastness of the lake and the absence of precise location data made such an undertaking challenging.

Frustration Mounts as Witnesses Remain Silent

Jared Lopez, the partner of Ng’s sister, expressed his dismay at the lack of cooperation from witnesses, which significantly obstructed the search efforts. Despite engaging professional rescue teams, including the Bomberos Voluntarios Air Rescue Section, the Bomberos Dive Team, and numerous local volunteers, the investigation remained stymied by the absence of reliable information.

The reluctance of witnesses to come forward has raised suspicions of criminal involvement. As a result, the case is now under investigation by local Prosecution Authorities, the FBI, and the US Department of State.

Search and Rescue Team Questions Witnesses’ Accounts

Chris Sharpe, the leader of Black Wolf Helicopters, the search and rescue team hired by the Ng family, expressed skepticism about the initial accounts of Ng’s disappearance. After conducting extensive searches of the lake, they failed to find any evidence to support the claim that she was kayaking. This revelation has prompted Sharpe to request a criminal investigation.

Family Pleads for Answers and Cooperation

As the days turn into weeks, the Ng family’s desperation grows. They urge witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid in the search for their beloved Nancy. They fear that a lack of cooperation will result in the case becoming a cold one, leaving them without answers and closure.

The FBI and the State Department are actively collaborating with Guatemalan authorities to investigate the disappearance. The FBI has confirmed contact with the Guatemalan government, which remains the lead agency in the investigation.