Esther, a 14-year-old girl from Toronto, has been located safe after being missing for nearly two weeks. Toronto police announced this positive outcome on their social media shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday. A press briefing was scheduled at 3 p.m. at a command post in Earl Bales Park to provide further updates.
Details of Esther’s Disappearance
Esther, affectionately called Esti, was last seen in North York on May 16. She disappeared shortly after midnight near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road, just south of Highway 401. Earlier that night, she was seen heading towards Earl Bales Park, located near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West.
Search Efforts Initiated
A comprehensive Level One police search was launched to locate the missing teenager. Police set up a command post in Earl Bales Park and mobilized multiple units. Community involvement was significant, as residents joined forces to help find Esther by distributing posters throughout the city.
- Volunteers established an additional command post on Wilson Avenue, close to Bathurst Street.
- A reward of $25,000 was offered for information that could ensure her safe return.
Concerns for Esther’s Safety
Esther is described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall, with a medium build and brown hair. On the day she went missing, she wore a turquoise sweater with writing on the front, along with grey sweatpants that were loose at the ankles, and possibly went barefoot.
Both the authorities and her family had expressed grave concerns for her well-being, noting that Esther is on the autism spectrum. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community demonstrate the high stakes surrounding her disappearance and the urgency for her safe return.
