COLUMBIA, S.C. – A family in South Carolina pleaded for help Wednesday in finding Broadway dancer Zelig Williams, whose disappearance nearly two weeks ago has also drawn the concern of the broader theater community, including Hugh Jackman.
Williams, who danced in New York productions of “Hamilton” and “MJ The Musical," was last seen Oct. 3 in Columbia, when he left his home. Friends said they got an automatic emergency notification from his iPhone minutes later, Williams' family said.
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They reached out but did not hear back. Williams' empty car was found undamaged in an isolated parking lot for the Palmetto Trail a day after deputies determined he was driving at the nearby Congaree National Park about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from downtown Columbia, according to the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
Williams’ family said at a news conference that they think he stopped taking his medication just before he disappeared and are worried he might be behaving erratically or even could appear in a trance-like state to people looking to help him.
Tips from the community are likely going to be critical to finding Williams, Sheriff Leon Lott said at a news conference at the department's headquarters, joined by family members of the dancer.
Deputies said nothing, including foul play, has been ruled out in the case.
“We have used every means of manpower and technology that is available,” Lott said.
They also are asking churches to pay special attention to anyone new, because Williams was visiting in an effort to find a place to worship. Williams, 28, had moved back to his hometown of Columbia a few months earlier.
Williams is the light for his family, cousin Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs said Wednesday. His two sisters died in a car crash 20 years ago and inspired him to start dancing, she said.
Williams' mother “is having some serious pain in her heart missing her son in this moment,” Corbett-Jacobs said. "That's why it is so special when you see him perform. He is dancing with his sisters in his heart."
The family's remarks ended with Williams' mother, Kathy, who started sobbing as she spoke.
“I just want Zelig to come home. He’s all I got. He’s all I got. He's all I got,” she said. The sheriff and Corbett-Jacobs helped her out of the room.
Williams' colleagues on Broadway are also asking for help. Jackman, who worked with Williams in “The Greatest Showman” tour, posted Williams' picture on his Instagram feed this month.
“Zelig we love you and are praying for your safe return,” Jackman wrote.