By Jade Russell

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FOR families praying for the call that their missing loved ones have been found, their one Christmas wish this year is for them to return home.

Victoria Ferguson, holding back tears, said it has been three long years since her sister, Rochellda “Dadah” Woodside, vanished while walking home. She described the pain of seeing her sister’s empty bedroom, once filled with her bubbly, caring personality.

She said her family still gathers for the holidays, but Rochellda’s absence is felt while cooking Christmas dinner, keeping traditions, and watching everyone walk through the door except her. Despite the grief, she noted that the tragedy has brought the family closer.

Ms Woodside was last seen on 11 August, 2022. She told her mother she would return home by 6pm, but never did. Residents reported seeing her walking along Lincoln Boulevard towards Washington Street, where she lived, but she never arrived.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information on her whereabouts, and the family plans to organise another search early in the new year.

The disappearance is not the family’s first tragedy. In 2017, Ms Woodside’s brother was killed, leaving behind two young daughters who still ask for their missing aunt. Ms Ferguson said the girls have been heavily affected emotionally.

“We just pray and hoping she return back to us alive, safe and sound,” she said emotionally.

Ms Ferguson added that her family forgives the person responsible for her sister’s disappearance, saying they pray God has mercy on them. She said the family wants closure, and even if her sister has been murdered, they want the chance to give her a proper burial.

Meanwhile, the family of Kyle Carey has been grieving since he vanished on 11 May, 2023. Kyle, who was 20 when he went missing, would have celebrated his 23rd birthday with his twin on 14 November. His mother, Tracey Carey, said she once looked forward to Christmas every year, but since her son disappeared without a trace, she has not had the strength to put up a Christmas tree.

In past years, she decorated her workplace office, helped organise holiday parties, and brought festive cheer. Now, she said Christmas has become a painful reminder.

“It's just a sad time,” Mrs Carey said tearfully. “I don't look at it as, you know, a happy time with him not being here.”

She admitted it has been “mentally” difficult to have a child missing with no idea where he could be.

“It's not something that any mother should have to deal with. I just try to stay prayerful. Just try to trust in God.”

Mrs Carey said she and her family often reminisce about the good times when Kyle was home. She recalled their last Christmas together, saying everyone was reunited.

A missing person billboard offers a $25,000 reward for his return. Mrs Carey said the family remains hopeful that Kyle is alive and will be okay.

Another heartbroken mother, Tashana Thompson, continues to struggle after her son, Devin Isaacs, vanished from their home in May 2024. Devin was 16 at the time.

Four days after he went missing, police issued a Marco’s Alert. In July, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander released CCTV footage showing a car parked two houses away from the home shortly after midnight. The footage showed Devin leaving, briefly returning, then walking off again towards Carmichael Road. Additional footage later captured him near Rubis Service Station on Carmichael Road, heading west alone.

Ms Thompson said her son turned 18 in July. Not a day passes, she said, that she does not yearn for the moment he walks through the door. She described the experience as “devastating”, adding that some days she has no motivation to do anything.

Still, she is trying to stay strong for her other two children.

In a cracking voice, she said: “I’m trying my best, I guess. Trying my best through God’s grace and mercy.”

She continues to offer a $2,000 reward for his return.