NYC woman missing in Turkey

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BEYOGLU, Turkey, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The family of a New York City woman who disappeared in Turkey is heading to the country to assist in the search for her, officials said.

Sarai Sierra, 33, was supposed to return to the United States on Jan. 22, but she never showed up for her flight home, ABC News reported.

"It was her first time outside of the United States, and every day while she was there she pretty much kept in contact with us, letting us know what she was up to, where she was going, whether it be through texting or whether it be through video chat, she was touching base with us," said Steven Sierra, Sarai's husband.

Steven Sierra said when his wife did not arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey he called United Airlines and was told his wife had never boarded the flight home.

An investigation in Turkey found that Sarai Sierra left her passport, clothes, phone chargers and medical cards in her room at a hostel in Beyoglu, Turkey, Steven Sierra said.

"They've been keeping us posted, from my understanding they've been looking into hospitals and sending out word to police stations over there," Steven Sierra said. "Maybe she's, you know, locked up, so they are doing what they can."

Steven Sierra, and Sarai's brother, David Jimenez, headed to Turkey Monday to assist in the investigation.