Brian Tarrence Missing: American Tourist Vanishes Without a Trace in Turks and Caicos

An American tourist named Brian Tarrence, aged 51, has mysteriously gone missing while vacationing with his wife in Turks and Caicos. He was last seen in the early morning hours of June 25, according to authorities and a private investigator involved in the search.

Brian had been staying at an Airbnb rental with his wife, and the couple had arrived on the island on June 22 to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. They were scheduled to leave after a week-long stay. However, what was meant to be a joyful getaway has turned into a heartbreaking mystery.

Left in the Middle of the Night

Private investigator Carl DeFazio, who is helping with the case, said Brian left the rental property around 3:30am local time. He had his cellphone and wallet but left without saying a word. His wife had gone to bed earlier, and when she woke up, Brian was gone.

“That’s a little bizarre in itself,” DeFazio told News12. “He’s in the middle of town. His wife was sleeping.”

CCTV footage shows Tarrence walking away on foot from the Airbnb in the Grace Bay area, which is a popular location for tourists. Since then, there have been no confirmed sightings.

Troubling Details Emerge

Brian’s brother Mike Tarrence revealed that Brian had experienced hallucinations in the past, but nothing that would suggest he’d simply walk away during a vacation.

“He has never done anything even remotely close to this,” Mike told local news outlet TCI Sun. He last heard from his brother on June 20, a few days before the disappearance.

Before going missing, Brian and his wife had taken a boat tour, enjoying their anniversary together. Everything seemed normal, according to those close to him.

U.S. State Department Warnings

The U.S. State Department has a travel advisory in place for Americans visiting Turks and Caicos, warning about increased crime—especially on the island of Providenciales, where Grace Bay is located. The advisory strongly suggests tourists avoid walking alone, particularly at night, and discourages opening doors to strangers.

Travelers are also warned about the strict gun laws on the islands, with those caught carrying firearms or even bullets facing a minimum 12-year prison sentence.

What You Should Know

Americans traveling to the islands are urged to:

• Purchase travel insurance

• Set up a contingency plan

• Check CDC health updates before flying

• Remain cautious, especially during nighttime hours

Brian Tarrence’s family and authorities are pleading for anyone with information to come forward.