By Abu Dalisu l May 29, 2026
Relief swept across Toronto after police confirmed that a 14-year-old girl who had been missing for nearly two weeks was found safe following an intensive citywide search operation that captured national attention.
Toronto Police announced on Wednesday that the teenager, identified as Esther, had been located at a residence in Toronto after disappearing from the North York area on May 15. Authorities said she appeared to be in good physical condition and was taken to hospital for medical and emotional evaluation.
The teenager’s disappearance triggered widespread concern across Canada, prompting one of the city’s highest-level missing persons investigations. Police had upgraded the case to a Level 1 search operation — a rare designation reserved for the most urgent and high-risk cases.
According to investigators, Esther was last seen around 11:15 p.m. near Earl Bales Park in North York on May 15. She was later spotted shortly after midnight near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road, approximately three kilometres from the original location.
Toronto Police Superintendent Don Belanger told reporters that investigators are continuing to examine whether there was any criminal element connected to the teen’s prolonged disappearance, although authorities later clarified that the case was not being investigated criminally “at this time.”
Police declined to disclose details about the residence where Esther was found or whether any individuals were questioned. Authorities also refused to confirm reports suggesting she had been located alongside another person inside the home.
“She appears to be in good physical health,” Belanger said, while noting that doctors would also assess the emotional impact of the ordeal on the teenager.
In an emotional statement released after the discovery, Esther’s parents expressed profound gratitude and relief following days of uncertainty and fear.
“For the first time in days, we can hug our daughter and breathe again,” the family said, while asking the public to avoid speculation as Esther continues receiving medical care and support.
The search effort drew extraordinary public participation, with volunteers, community organisations and residents across Toronto assisting police operations. A $25,000 reward had also been offered for information that could help locate the missing teenager.
Community safety group Shomrim Toronto played a major role in organizing volunteer search efforts across several parts of the city, including downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga.
The case also attracted international attention after reports emerged that posters seeking information about Esther’s disappearance were being torn down in some areas, an act police condemned as unethical and harmful to rescue efforts.
Earlier during the investigation, Esther’s parents disclosed that she was on the autism spectrum, saying the information was shared publicly to help people better understand her vulnerabilities and the urgency of the search.
Authorities credited a combination of video surveillance reviews, public tips and ground searches for helping investigators trace the teenager’s location.
As the family begins the process of recovery, police say the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance remains ongoing.