Search For Missing Siblings In Nova Scotia Enters Fourth Day Amid Growing Urgency

 

A massive search effort for two missing children in rural Nova Scotia entered its fourth day on Monday, as rescue teams continue combing dense forest near the siblings’ home in Pictou County.

Six-year-old Lily Sullivan and her four-year-old brother Jack were last seen Friday morning at their residence, located about 70 miles from Halifax. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) believe the children may have wandered away from home on their own.

More than 100 search and rescue personnel, along with helicopters, drones, and tracking dogs, have been deployed in the heavily wooded region surrounding the family’s home. A footprint was discovered on Saturday, prompting an expanded search in that area.

“It has been a few days, but that has not dampened the hopes of the teams and the police who are here trying to get these kids home,” said RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carlie McCann on Monday.

Search efforts have continued around the clock, despite poor weather conditions including heavy rain. The RCMP has asked the public to avoid the search zone to ensure safety and efficiency, stating that teams are “meticulously tracking which sections of ground have been covered.”

The children's mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, said she heard the kids playing early Friday before drifting back to sleep. When she woke and realized they were gone, she immediately contacted authorities. She believes they slipped outside unnoticed through a sliding door.

“Jack and Lily are not the type of kids to go outside alone,” Brooks-Murray said. “We always make sure we’re watching them.”

The siblings are members of the Sipekne’katik First Nation. Chief Michelle Glasgow issued a plea on social media, urging the public to support the search: “Please help bring Lily and Jack back home.”

Daniel Martell, the children’s stepfather, described them as inseparable and full of personality. “Jack just absolutely loves bugs and dinosaurs,” he said. “Lily loves girly things, but she also loves doing everything with Jack. They’re like best friends, not just brother and sister.”

Martell has called for authorities to monitor airports and border crossings, though the RCMP is not currently treating the case as a suspected kidnapping.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed support for the family, saying residents across the province are “praying for a positive outcome.”

The search continues as the community rallies behind the family, holding out hope for Jack and Lily’s safe return.