Family Still Searching One Year After Children Vanished

One year after two young children disappeared from their home in rural Nova Scotia, their grandmother says the family remains heartbroken and frustrated by the lack of answers in the ongoing investigation. Lilly and Jack Sullivan, aged six and four, vanished from their home in Lansdowne Station, Pictou County, on May 2, 2025, and despite months of searches and investigations, police have still not determined what happened to them.

The children’s grandmother, Wanda Sullivan, said the family continues to live in “disbelief” as the first anniversary of the disappearance passes without any major breakthrough. Speaking to reporters, she explained that every day has been emotionally difficult for relatives who still hope the children may somehow be found alive. She said the uncertainty has been devastating for the entire family.

Lilly and Jack were reported missing after they were last seen near their home in the heavily wooded area of Lansdowne Station. Their disappearance quickly became one of the largest missing persons investigations in Nova Scotia in recent years. Hundreds of volunteers, police officers, drones, helicopters, search dogs, and emergency teams took part in large-scale search efforts across forests, rivers, and nearby communities.

Despite the extensive operation, investigators found no confirmed signs of the children. Police later reduced the active ground search but continued to investigate the case as missing persons files. The RCMP has repeatedly said officers are examining all possibilities and continue to follow up on tips received from the public.

The lack of clear information over the past year has led to growing frustration among family members and some local residents. Wanda Sullivan said the family still feels left in the dark about key details of the investigation and wishes there had been more communication from authorities. She added that the emotional stress has affected everyone connected to the case.

Police have stated that there is currently no confirmed evidence pointing toward abduction, although investigators have never ruled out any possibility. Officers continue reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing tips submitted throughout the past year. The RCMP also renewed its public appeal this week, asking anyone with information about the children’s disappearance to come forward.

Community members across Nova Scotia have continued to support the family through vigils, awareness campaigns, and online appeals. Many residents still place ribbons, posters, and messages of hope around the province in memory of Lilly and Jack. Local volunteers also helped organize anniversary events to keep attention focused on the case.

Experts say long-term missing children cases are emotionally difficult for families because they are forced to live without closure. Unlike confirmed death investigations, families often continue balancing hope with fear for months or even years while waiting for answers. The Sullivan family says they will continue pushing for information and refusing to give up on finding the children.

As the investigation enters its second year, police say the case remains active. Authorities are urging the public not to ignore even small details that could help investigators understand what happened on the day Lilly and Jack disappeared.