The disappearance of Noah and Ava Sullivan has stunned not only the quiet community of northern British Columbia but also experienced law enforcement professionals who have spent their careers solving such cases. Among them is retired RCMP canine handler Dave Leduc, who admits he is “deeply unsettled” by the lack of progress and evidence in the ongoing search for the two siblings.

Noah, aged nine, and Ava, aged six, were reported missing on April 28 while camping with their family near Pine Ridge Provincial Park. The children had last been seen playing near the treeline just after dinner, their parents said. Within twenty minutes, they were gone. That window of time, and the circumstances under which they vanished, has raised questions even among veteran officers.

Leduc, who spent 26 years in the RCMP’s K9 Unit tracking missing persons, says the absence of any physical evidence is one of the most confounding elements. “Usually, dogs can pick up something—footprints, clothing fibers, or even scent trails,” he explains. “But from what I understand, this case has provided nothing. That’s highly unusual, especially with experienced search teams involved.”

He also pointed out that the weather on the night of the disappearance was favorable—mild temperatures, dry ground, and little wind. These are ideal conditions for canine tracking, and yet, after days of intensive searching, dogs were unable to establish a clear path of movement for either child. “It’s like they just vanished into thin air,” Leduc said. “And that’s something you rarely hear from professionals in the field.”

The search effort initially involved more than 100 personnel, including ground teams, helicopters, underwater recovery units, and canine search-and-rescue dogs from multiple detachments. Volunteers from across the region joined the effort, scouring rugged terrain by foot and ATV. Drones equipped with heat sensors combed forest clearings and ravines. Still, no sign of the children has emerged.

Authorities have stated that all scenarios remain under investigation, including the possibility of abduction. However, no witnesses have come forward with sightings of unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the area, and no physical evidence has pointed decisively in any direction. That ambiguity has left the case shrouded in mystery and speculation.

In many missing persons cases involving children, time is a critical factor. Experts refer to the first 48 hours as the most crucial window for locating someone alive and safe. As the days passed without a breakthrough, some community members began to question whether the response was as swift and coordinated as it could have been.

Leduc, though no longer active in the force, says the lack of early results would have raised red flags for any experienced tracker. “If the kids had just wandered off, we would expect to find something—a shoe, a toy, broken branches, anything. The fact that we’ve found none of that makes you wonder whether something prevented them from leaving clues, which is incredibly concerning.”

He also stressed the psychological toll such cases take on both search teams and families. “The parents are living a nightmare, but the crews out there searching are also grappling with guilt and helplessness. Everyone wants answers, but nature doesn’t always cooperate, and neither do circumstances beyond our control.”

The Sullivan family has largely remained out of the spotlight, choosing to release only brief written statements through RCMP media liaisons. In one recent message, they thanked search crews and the public for their support and reiterated their belief that the children are still alive. “We are not giving up. Noah and Ava are strong, and we believe they are out there waiting to be found.”

Over two weeks since the disappearance, the intensity of the physical search has been reduced, though investigators continue to follow up on tips. A small command post remains in place near the campsite, and RCMP officials confirm that major crimes investigators are now supporting the file, indicating an expanded scope of inquiry.

Public interest in the case remains high, and online forums have become hotbeds for theories, many of them speculative. Officials have asked the public not to spread unverified information and to report any credible tips directly to police. Still, the absence of clear facts has left space for rumor and suspicion to take root.

Among the most common theories being discussed is that the children were taken by someone familiar with the terrain. Leduc believes that scenario can’t be dismissed. “If an individual wanted to make someone disappear in that area, and knew how to move undetected, it would be possible. But again, most perpetrators slip up. They leave signs. So far, we’ve seen none.”

Some residents have called for additional outside assistance, including federal forensic experts and missing children advocacy groups. Petitions have circulated asking for expanded search funding and greater transparency from law enforcement. So far, police say all available resources are being used, and any updates will be provided when appropriate.

In the meantime, memorial-style shrines have appeared near trailheads and at the family’s home in the nearby town of Fort McAllister. Teddy bears, flowers, and handwritten notes now line park fences. “Come home soon, Noah and Ava,” one card reads in a child’s handwriting. “We miss you.”

For those like Dave Leduc, who spent a career bringing closure to families in similar circumstances, the Sullivan case is an all-too-familiar reminder that not all stories have immediate answers. “I’ve seen miracles in my time,” he says quietly. “I’ve also seen heartbreak. But the one thing we can never afford to do is stop looking.”

Leduc has offered his services to assist with further tracking if requested and remains in contact with some of the handlers still active on the case. “If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it. These kids deserve to be found. And if we don’t bring them home, we owe it to them to never stop trying.”

For now, the dense forests of Pine Ridge remain still, and the silence they hold only deepens the urgency for resolution. As the days turn to weeks, the community clings to hope—and waits for the moment when someone, somewhere, will find the missing piece that finally brings the Sullivan children home.