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Search continues for man who vanished 10 years ago today

Jon Riley, 46, left his mom a note saying he was going to Toronto for a few days; 'Investigators have found no evidence to confirm that he ever left the Meaford area,' says investigator

Police have issued a renewed plea for anyone with information about a man who went missing from Meaford a decade ago to come forward and help solve the mystery of his disappearance. 

According to Ontario Provincial Police, Jon Riley left a handwritten note for his mother on April 26, 2013 to say he was going to Toronto for a few days.

He did not return. 

"Investigators have found no evidence to confirm that he ever left the Meaford area," said Det.-Insp. Jennifer Patton in a video released by the OPP today.

She urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Riley to come forward.

"Jon was loved by his family, who have never given up hope of finding him. We need your help to bring answers to his family," Patton said. 

It has been 10 years since Riley, 46, disappeared from his home in Meaford. At that time, he was five-foot-nine and weighed about 220 pounds. He had short brown and grey hair, and brown eyes. 

The OPP says Riley had spent time in Ottawa and Toronto, and enjoyed hiking the Bruce Trail in the Meaford area. He often carried a green backpack. 

"Please keep this in mind if you are hiking the Bruce Trail in the Meaford area this spring," said Det.-Const. Matthew Vince in the OPP video. "If you have hiked this area in the past and recall finding something in this area, our investigators would like to hear from you." 

Riley's sister appeared on a documentary called Never Seen Again (airing on Paramount+) by Efran Films Canada to speak about her brother's case. She calls him the quintessential older brother "quick to laugh, quick to smile, the prankster, unguarded, approachable, loyal, and I always knew that he had my back." 

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit tips online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca/submit-a-tip.