Updated

Relatives of a Chinese scholar who disappeared from the University of Illinois are pleading for help in the search to find her.

WLS-TV in Chicago reports that Yingying Zhang's father, aunt and boyfriend took part in a candlelight vigil on Saturday night. Through an interpreter, Ronggao Zhang pleaded with his daughter to "hold on, don't give up."

The 26-year-old woman was last seen climbing into a black Saturn Astra in Urbana on the afternoon of June 9. Police have said they suspect the woman was kidnapped. Last week, the FBI called the search for the scholar a national priority for the agency.

Crime Stoppers has offered a $40,000 reward for any information that leads to Zhang.

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Information from: WLS-TV.