Loved ones plea for the safe return of Broadway performer missing for nearly two weeks

Loved ones and law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help finding a Broadway performer who hasn’t been heard from in over a week.

The performer, 28-year-old Zelig Williams, was last seen Oct. 3 in Columbia, South Carolina, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced in a news release.

On Oct. 4, a deputy from the department spoke to Williams' mother, Kathy Williams, who said he left home without his medicine the previous day, according to an incident report obtained by USA TODAY. It’s not normal for Williams to go so long without contacting loved ones and he needs his prescription medication, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

Williams was also seen driving around Congaree State Park, where his SUV was found abandoned in a Palmetto Trail parking lot with his belongings inside, reported The AWARE Foundation. His phone had previously sent an SOS alert to one of his friends in New York City.

His car was found around 11 p.m. on Oct. 4, the sheriff's department said. There didn’t appear to be any crash, NBC News reported.

His mother said the last time she saw him on Oct. 3, things seemed normal, their cousin Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs told NBC News.

“It is very, very difficult,” Corbett-Jacobs told the outlet. “It is a struggle, but they are holding close to the belief that Zelig will return home.”

According to NBC News, Williams was in Columbia staying with his mother since the summertime and had been hosting dance workshops, one of which he posted about on Instagram back in August.

Caroline Lewis-Jones met Williams when he was a young boy and was one of his first dance teachers, NBC News reported. She noted that Williams was kind and made her fall in love with teaching. She also said two of his sisters previously died in a car crash.

Loved ones, Hugh Jackman plea for information

Loved ones have been sharing Williams’ photos and videos all over social media, asking that community members be on the lookout for him.

On Broadway, Williams has performed in both “Hamilton” and “MJ the Musical.” He also worked on actor Hugh Jackman’s tour, “The Man. The Music. The Show,” according to television station KNBC and NBC News.

Jackman posted on his now-expired Instagram story asking for information about the performer, reported Hello! Magazine and E! News. 

Jackman shared a photo of Williams and captioned it "Please ... if anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Zelig Williams please reach out to your local authorities."

He also shared a message for Williams himself. 

"Zelig we love you and are praying for your safe return,” Jackman wrote.

Other people who know him have described him online as kind, calling him “Z.”

“We just want you to return home safely,” posted one person who knows him.

Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to help with the search for him and as of Monday afternoon, they've raised nearly $9,000 of their $30,000 goal.

Also posted with the fundraiser was a note from his mother, Kathy Williams, family members Christine Barber, Corbett-Jacobs and his dance instructor, Lewis-Jones.

"Those who have met Zelig can’t help but be reminded of his warmth… easy flow of conversation, and the spirit that pours out of him while sharing his God-given talents both on and offstage," they wrote.

The funds will help pay for a private investigator, rewards, posters and more.

Authorities said when Williams was last seen, he was wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts and brown slides. He has black hair, a short haircut and a birthmark on his throat.

Authorities ask that anyone who has seen Williams or has information contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3000 or Crime Stoppers at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com.

This story has been updated with new information.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.