Danny Ballantyne was a mere nine years old when his father, Drew Ballantyne, disappeared. He fondly recalls engaging in basketball and soccer matches with his father, cherishing the moments spent biking together, shopping for clothes, and receiving protection from potential dangers.
Drew Ballantyne, who was 34 years old at the time, was last spotted in June 2022. Hailing from Pelican Narrows, part of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in northeast Saskatchewan, the family erected a 10-foot sign adorned with two photos of Drew in front of their residence on 15th Street West in Prince Albert, urging the public to aid in the search.
Expressing a heartfelt plea, Danny implored, “Bring my dad home. Don’t keep secrets from us and tell the truth.” Unfortunately, Drew’s mother, Loretta Ballantyne, who spearheaded search efforts, passed away in October 2024 without discovering her son’s fate.
Carmelita Ballantyne, Drew’s sister, emphasized the importance of finding closure, lamenting the absence of their mother, who tirelessly dedicated herself to the search. Despite extensive efforts, including posting flyers and engaging with communities for potential leads, the family remains on a relentless quest for answers.
Speculations have surfaced regarding Drew potentially falling victim to gang-related violence, fueling concerns among family members. Before his disappearance, Drew was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breaching the terms of his statutory release from federal prison.
Criticizing initial police responses, Carol-Ann Ballantyne, another sister of Drew, highlighted the perceived lack of urgency in addressing the situation. She recounted the last time she saw her brother, recalling dropping him off at a residence in Prince Albert and waiting in vain for his return call.
The Prince Albert Police Service officially declared Drew missing on July 1, 2022, following subsequent investigations tracing his last whereabouts to Saskatoon. Inspector Lisa Simonson affirmed the ongoing commitment to unraveling the mystery surrounding Drew’s disappearance, urging the public to come forward with any pertinent information.
Seeking closure, the family enlisted the services of a private investigator, firmly believing that individuals possess crucial details that could shed light on Drew’s fate. Carol-Ann reflected on her mother’s words, emphasizing the enduring love and longing for Drew’s safe return.