The Heartbreaking Disappearance of Dylan Ehler
On May 6, 2020, three-year-old Dylan John Ehler was doing what any happy toddler loves most — playing freely in the backyard of his grandmother’s home on Elizabeth Street in Truro, Nova Scotia. It was an ordinary spring day, filled with the kind of innocent joy only a small child can bring. But in the blink of an eye, everything shattered.
While his grandmother briefly stepped away to tend to her dog, Dylan vanished. When she returned moments later, the little boy with bright blue eyes and messy brown hair was gone. The sudden disappearance of such a tiny, vulnerable child sent immediate shockwaves through his family and the entire close-knit community of Truro.
The Desperate Search Begins
Search efforts launched within minutes. Police, family members, friends, and volunteers frantically combed the backyard, nearby woods, and surrounding areas. As the hours passed, fear deepened. Later that same day, a heartbreaking discovery was made — Dylan’s small red rubber boots were found in Lepper Brook, a shallow stream running behind the property that flows into the Salmon River.
The boots led investigators to believe Dylan may have wandered into the water and been swept downstream. Over the following days, authorities expanded the search dramatically. Drones scanned from above, K9 units worked tirelessly, boats and dive teams checked rivers and waterways, and hundreds of volunteers joined in ground searches. Despite their exhaustive efforts, no other trace of Dylan was ever found.
Six Years Later: Still No Answers
As of 2026, Dylan Ehler’s disappearance remains one of Nova Scotia’s most haunting missing child cases. He would now be nine years old. On the sixth anniversary of his disappearance — May 6, 2026 — the Truro Police Service released a new age-progression sketch created by the Ontario Provincial Police, showing what Dylan might look like today. The image was released with the desperate hope that someone, somewhere, might recognize him or remember something important.
While the physical evidence strongly suggests a tragic accidental drowning, the Truro Police Service has always emphasized that the investigation remains open and active. They have not ruled out any possibilities, including foul play, and continue to appeal for new information.
A Community That Refuses to Forget
Dylan’s family has endured unimaginable pain. The uncertainty — not knowing what happened to their precious boy — has left them in a constant state of grief mixed with fragile hope. They have spoken publicly about how the loss has affected every part of their lives, yet they continue to advocate for awareness and keep Dylan’s story alive.
The community of Truro and beyond has shown incredible support. Vigils, community searches, social media campaigns, and petitions have continued over the years. Organizations like “Please Bring Me Home” have helped organize renewed searches and keep public attention focused on the case.
A Call for Justice and Closure
Dylan’s disappearance serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a child can vanish and how important community vigilance and rapid response truly are. Police continue to urge anyone with information — no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Six years have passed, but for Dylan’s loved ones, the search never ends. Every birthday, every holiday, and every anniversary brings a fresh wave of sorrow and longing.
Dylan John Ehler
Born April 16, 2017 – Missing since May 6, 2020
If you have any information about Dylan’s disappearance, please contact the Truro Police Service or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.
A little boy is still missing. His family is still waiting. And hope, however fragile, refuses to die.
