20-05-2025
Lilly and Jack Sullivan face 'Unbelievable Conditions' Amid Search Review
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Missing children Lilly and Jack Sullivan and the people searching for them are facing "unbelievable conditions," according to the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association (GSRA).
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told the public they are assessing and reviewing their search from the weekend of May 17 and 18 in order to plan future steps.
Lilly, 6, and Jack, 4, went missing from their Nova Scotia home on May 2 and are believed to have wandered into the heavily wooded area surrounding their home.
Sherry Veinot, President of the Nova Scotia GSRA, told Newsweek that this area is "almost impassable" due to fallen trees from Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, District Commander Pictou County District, RCMP, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily Sullivan and Jack Sullivan, Nova Scotia, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, District Commander Pictou County District, RCMP, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily Sullivan and Jack Sullivan, Nova Scotia, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Ron Ward/The Canadian Press via AP
The Context
The Nova Scotia GSRA has been assisting the RCMP alongside more than 115 people in their search for the missing children.
The search started as a wide search of the area, but was narrowed down on May 7. Despite the more localized focus, the children have still not been found.
One search manager, Amy Hansen, said she did not anticipate the RCMP would continue their search on Monday, May 19. It is unclear at this time whether a search party went out on the 19th. If one did, the RCMP has not publicized it.
The RCMP has been contacted via email for comment.
What To Know
According to police descriptions, Lilly has shoulder-length light brown hair with bangs. She might be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants, and pink boots.
Jack has short blondish hair. He was last seen wearing blue dinosaur boots, but no other clothing description is available.
They both attend Salt Springs Elementary. They were last seen at school on April 29. They did not have school on April 30, and were home sick on May 1 and 2.
They live on Gairloch Road in Nova Scotia, a rural and wooded area. "It is all deadfalls and trees on top of one another, meaning searchers [are] either having to climb over or crawl under them," explained Veinot to Newsweek.
Veniot also said that it is currently the height of Nova Scotia's tick season. Ticks can carry several infections with them, including Lyme Disease, Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA), Babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
Lyme Disease contraction is the highest risk faced from a tick bite. It can result in a rash, fever, and muscle pain, and if left untreated, can cause facial paralysis and nervous system disorders.
Veniot's team is looking for clues via prints, clothing, and any indication of objects carried by the missing children.
Amy Hansen, Search Manager, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Amy Hansen, Search Manager, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Ron Ward/The Canadian Press via AP
What People Are Saying
Sherry Veniot told Newsweek: "This search has taken a toll on searchers both physically and emotionally, and we are all hoping for a resolution."
Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, Pictou County District RCMP, said in a press release: "We extend our sincere appreciation to the search and rescue volunteers who have selflessly given up over 10,000 hours of their time since this search began. Their tireless commitment in truly gruelling conditions is appreciated by both the RCMP and the greater community."
What Happens Next
The RCMP's latest search efforts are being reviewed and assessed for future planning.
