The Disappearance and Discovery of Tsering Wangyal: A Community's Journey from Hope to Heartbreak

A Routine Day Turns Tragic

On July 15, 2024, 82-year-old Tsering Dolma Wangyal left her Skokie condominium, situated near the Westfield Old Orchard Mall, around 3:30 p.m. Her family believes she intended to attend a 5:30 p.m. prayer service at the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago in Evanston. Surveillance footage later captured her at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston at approximately 6:03 p.m. Tragically, this was the last confirmed sighting of Tsering. She did not have her cane, phone, or identification with her. Her daughter, Tenzin Wangyal, noted that her mother likely became disoriented and ended up at the Levy Center after boarding the wrong bus. Despite her limited English proficiency, it appears she sought assistance at the center but was not understood by the staff.

The Community Mobilizes

In the weeks following Tsering's disappearance, the Skokie and Evanston communities rallied together in an extensive search effort. Family members, friends, and volunteers distributed flyers, knocked on doors, and canvassed neighborhoods. A website was created to centralize information and updates about the search. Local authorities, including the Skokie Police Department, collaborated with the family, utilizing resources such as the Cook County K9 Unit to track her scent. Despite these concerted efforts, no substantial leads emerged. ...Read More

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