Friends and family of an American woman, who lost her two sons in a deadly tornado in 2014, are asking the public for help in locating her after she went missing in Toronto.

In a news release Monday, Toronto police say they are concerned for April Burkle’s safety, who was last seen on Oct. 22, in the area of Peter and Queen Streets.

The 34-year old, who is originally from Arkansas, flew into Pearson International Airport from Houston, Texas on Oct. 10 to meet a friend in Hamilton who was living there on a work visa.

However, Alexis Cauthen, a close friend of Burkle, said she refused to meet him.

“When she got off the plane, she seemed not herself,” said Cauthen. “Lots of anxiety and agitation, and she refused to go with this friend. He was going to take her back to where he was staying in Hamilton.”

Cauthen said Burkle hopped in a taxi and told the friend she was staying at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel, but it was the last time they communicated.

Her family believed she maybe needed time to herself, as she was still recovering from a deadly tornado that claimed the life of her two young sons and left her with serious injuries back in 2014.

The two boys were only 7 and 9 years old when they died in the small community of Vilonia, Arkansas.

April Burkle, 34, and her two sons who were killed during a deadly tornado in Arkansas back in 2014. CREDIT: Alexis Cauthen

“As a grieving mother, it’s understandable that she’s dealing with her grief always,” Cauthen said. “But, she was always in contact with her mom and some of her closest friends.”

On Oct. 21, Cauthen, who has been acting as the family spokesperson, said Burkle’s aunt received a call from Toronto police, saying she was picked up with a man who was reported missing from the Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue area.

Troy Warner was later placed into the custody of a provincial psychiatric hospital.

“She had some sort of calming affect on him, so they [police] allowed her to ride with them to the police station,” Cauthen said. “When they got there, she stated that she had either lost or someone stole her I.D, passport, and phone. They did state to her aunt that she seemed a little bit off, but not enough to be overly concerned at that time.”

This was the last time Cauthen said anyone heard from Burkle.

It’s unknown what her relationship was with Warner. Police did not provide a response to CityNews, but friends believe she may have been trying to comfort him.

Friends of Burkle have taken to social media, creating a Facebook page, to spread online awareness.

They also set up a tip line, encouraging anyone who may have information to reach out either by text or phone at (501) 269-0770 or by email. Burkle’s friend who lived in Hamilton has since returned back to the U.S.

“It’s so hard being this far away,” Cauthen said. “We do feel like she’s not herself, that’s the only way we can describe it. We are concerned for her mental health.”

Burkle is described as 5 foot 5 inches and 140 pounds with long brown hair and brown eyes.

Toronto Police are also encouraging anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.