News Summary
The family of missing Broadway performer Zelig Williams is pleading for community support in locating him. Williams, known for his roles in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘MJ the Musical’, was last seen on October 3, 2024. His car was found abandoned, raising concerns of foul play. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for any information and have mobilized community efforts to keep his case in the public eye.
Columbia, South Carolina: Family of Missing Broadway Performer Zelig Williams Pleads for Community Help
In a heart-wrenching appeal, the family of Zelig Williams, a talented 28-year-old Broadway performer known for his roles in “Hamilton” and “MJ the Musical”, is urging the community to step forward with any information that could help locate him. Williams was reported missing on October 4, 2024, after his family lost touch with him the day prior. The news of his disappearance has left his loved ones and the entire Broadway community in shock and despair.
Zelig was last seen leaving his mother’s home on Lockwood Drive in Columbia around 9:45 a.m. on the day of his disappearance. Just a day later, on October 4, authorities located his vehicle at the Palmetto Trail parking lot, situated about 20 miles from his home. The unsettling detail? The keys were still inside the car, which has led investigators to worry that foul play could be involved.
The Search for Answers
His family reported him missing on October 4 after he failed to reach out. Adding to the mystery, Zelig’s iPhone sent out an SOS ping to three friends at approximately 10:10 a.m. on October 3, just minutes after he left home. This has raised questions about his well-being and whereabouts.
Kathy Williams, Zelig’s mother, holds onto a sliver of hope, firmly believing that her son is still alive. The family has been proactive in efforts to find Zelig, conducting monthly ground searches at Congaree National Park and regularly updating social media avenues to keep the search alive. They’re also offering a sizable $10,000 reward for any information that might lead to finding him, with posters featuring his photos displayed on his mother’s car.
A Call for Community Support
Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs, Zelig’s cousin and family spokesperson, voiced concerns that something more sinister may have transpired, suspecting an abduction. Zelig had recently returned to Columbia from New York City, where he had pursued his dream of performing on Broadway. He was in the process of preparing to teach a dance class, fueled by his passion for the arts.
The situation grows more urgent due to Williams’ mental health needs, as he is reportedly in need of medication. This detail only heightens the family’s fears for his safety and well-being. The family is also working with private investigator Chandra Cleveland, who is well-versed in handling cases of missing Black individuals, bringing in additional expertise to the search.
Community Comes Together
The response from the community has been overwhelming. Family, friends, and local residents are mobilizing their efforts to spread the word and keep Zelig’s case in the public spotlight. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is also aiding in search initiatives, using aerial surveillance and riverboat expeditions. Meanwhile, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is actively pursuing leads, examining cell phone activity, and applying various investigative techniques during their search for answers.
The Emotional Toll
This situation carries a heavy emotional burden for Kathy Williams, who has already endured the heartache of losing her two daughters in a tragic accident years ago. Zelig is her only surviving child, making his disappearance all the more devastating.
As the search continues, the hope remains that someone out there may have seen Zelig or have crucial information. The family and the broader community are united in their quest to bring Zelig home safely, reminding everyone of the love, support, and tenacity that define not just family, but a whole community as they rally together in difficult times.
Community members are encouraged to step forward with any leads, no matter how small, as every bit of information can make a difference. Let us all keep an eye out and remain hopeful that Zelig Williams will soon be found and brought home to his loving family.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Unites in Search for Missing Broadway Dancer Zelig Williams
South Carolina’s Forthcoming Football Season Heats up with Noteworthy Position Battles
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Zelig Williams Reported Missing
- Google Search: Zelig Williams
- NBC News: Family of Missing Broadway Dancer Zelig Williams
- Wikipedia: Zelig Williams
- WACH: New Details in Search for Missing Broadway Dancer Zelig Williams
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zelig Williams
- Fits News: Zelig Williams Still Missing
- Google News: Zelig Williams
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
