Zelig Williams, a 28-year-old Broadway dancer known for his roles in Hamilton and MJ The Musical, has been missing for more than three months, leaving his family and the Broadway community desperate for answers.
The Disappearance
On October 3, 2023, Zelig was last seen leaving his mother’s home in Columbia, South Carolina, carrying a portfolio of professional headshots... Continue reading here ▶
He had been staying with his mother, Kathy Williams, and conducting specialized dance workshops in the area.
Later that day, one of Zelig’s friends in New York City received an SOS alert from his phone, indicating he had been in a car accident.
Authorities discovered Zelig’s car two days later, abandoned in an isolated parking lot near the Palmetto Trail at Congaree National Park.
Despite extensive searches, no trace of Zelig has been found, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.
Family’s Fear and Search Efforts
Zelig’s family, including his cousin and family spokesperson Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs, is heartbroken and convinced foul play is involved. “We absolutely believe there is foul play,” Corbett-Jacobs said, emphasizing the family’s determination to find Zelig.
Corbett-Jacobs shared that Zelig may have stopped taking prescribed mental health medications, which he also left behind. This raises concerns that he could have been vulnerable to anyone he encountered.
The family has conducted numerous searches with help from authorities, community members, and national organizations like We Are The Essentials. Despite their efforts, they’ve yet to uncover new leads.
Emotional Toll on the Family
Zelig’s disappearance has been particularly devastating for his mother, Kathy, who had already suffered the loss of her two daughters in a car accident two decades ago. “When you see Zelig dance, you see him dance with his sisters in his heart,” Corbett-Jacobs shared.
Corbett-Jacobs described the pain of searching for Zelig: “This has been over three months of longing, searching, and giving everything you have. It’s heartbreaking.”
Broadway Community Support
The Broadway community has rallied to support the search for Zelig. Actor Hugh Jackman, who worked with Zelig on his 2019 tour, shared an Instagram post urging the public to help find the missing dancer: “Zelig, we love you and are praying for your safe return.”
Hope for Answers
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has said community tips are vital to solving the case. The family believes someone knows something and is urging anyone with information to come forward, even anonymously.
Caroline Lewis Jones, a mentor and “dance mom” to Zelig, expressed hope: “We feel strongly that there will be answers soon. Someone knows something. We need them to be brave and speak up.”
A Promise to Never Give Up
Zelig’s family remains steadfast in their search efforts. “We’re not going to stop,” Corbett-Jacobs said. “We will follow every lead and idea. No stone will be left unturned.”
If you have any information about Zelig Williams’ disappearance, please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The family and community are praying for Zelig’s safe return.
