California woman goes missing on yoga trip in Guatemala, witnesses refuse to cooperate

The family of a Southern California woman who went missing in Guatemala last month while on a yoga retreat is desperate for those with information to come forward.

According to ABC 7, Nancy Ng, who works in the Alhambra Unified School District, was last seen on Oct. 19 in Guatemala when she reportedly went on a kayaking trip with others from the retreat, which the 29-year-old had attended for the second time.

Her family has hired professionals to assist with search and rescue efforts around Lake Atitlan in the southern portion of the country, but the leader of this effort has said he has had trouble getting answers from witnesses.

Chris Sharpe with Guatemala-based Black Wolf Helicopters told ABC 7’s Eyewitness News that the failure of potential witnesses to provide information into Ng’s disappearance has led him to suggest that a criminal investigation needs to take place.

"For me, this is now becoming a criminal investigation because the witnesses who were there at a material time are not being forthcoming," Sharpe told Eyewitness News.

Sharpe said his team has searched most of the lake and has yet to find any clues on her disappearance. He is beginning to question whether Ng had actually gone kayaking at the lake.

Ng’s family is begging witnesses to be more cooperative.

"We're begging you: If anyone saw anything that could help us, just direct us where to look," said Nancy's sister, Nicky Ng. "Because we need answers."

The FBI and State Department have been in contact with Guatemala authorities in regard to the disappearance.

"I miss my Nancy very much," said her mother, Stephanie Li. "And hope the government helps us find answers and bring her home."

The family has set up a GoFundMe to assist the family and help pay for search and rescue efforts.

"In the event that the search and rescue efforts are unsuccessful, the funds will be directed towards funeral arrangements," the fundraiser, which has raised over $44,000 by Tuesday afternoon, said. "Any remaining funds will be donated to a charity to be determined by the Ng Family."