AUSTIN, Texas — A family is pleading for help after their loved ones went missing in July.
Frank Daniel Guzman was reported missing by the Texas Department of Public Safety after he was last seen in Austin on July 18. However, Guzman's family says he isn't the only person missing.
According to Guzman's sister, he was traveling through Mexico with his wife, Caroline Katba, when friends and family said they lost contact with the couple on July 22. Guzman's sister said they believe their last known location was in the Veracruz state of Mexico in the town of Coatzacoalcos.
Guzman and Katba were traveling by car to Chile so Guzman could do some research for his doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin. They were driving in a gray 2016 Toyota Prius hatchback with the Texas license plate SDM 2449.
U.S. places Veracruz under travel warning
The State Department issued a warning for those traveling to the Veracruz state.
Currently, Veracruz is under a "Exercise Increased Caution" warning due to violent crime and gang activity, particularly in Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos.
The State Department said while most of the gang-related violence is targeted, bystanders can be affected. It also said impromptu roadblocks that require payment to pass are common.
Guzman's sister said UT Austin and American and Mexican authorities are working to find the couple. Anyone with information on the couple can contact the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse.