Missing Montreal Toddler Claire Bell Found Alive in Ontario

Authorities found three-year-old Claire Bell alive in Ontario on Thursday, June 19, 2025—four days after she disappeared on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Quebec provincial police confirmed the discovery of the toddler on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, bringing an end to a tense and extensive search that spanned from LaSalle, Quebec, to Casselman, Ontario.

A Miraculous Discovery

Claire Bell was located by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) drone on Highway 417 near St. Albert, Ontario, around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The drone spotted the young girl alone by the side of the highway. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital where she received medical attention. Fortunately, Claire was able to speak to the police officers and appeared to be in stable condition. Authorities provided her with food and water and confirmed they met her immediate needs.

“We are happy that she is alive, it’s the best scenario possible,” said Éloïse Cossette, a spokesperson with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), expressing relief and gratitude.

The Ongoing Investigation

The circumstances surrounding Claire’s disappearance remain unclear. Authorities have been piecing together clues and conducting interviews. Earlier on Wednesday, the police interviewed a key witness—a farmer who spoke with Rachel-Ella Todd, Claire’s mother, on the day the child went missing. Todd, who was arrested and charged with child abandonment, has yet to cooperate fully with investigators.

Claire’s father, Matthew Bell, expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, thanking everyone involved in the search for his daughter. “Thank you for everyone’s help. Please allow me and my family to take this time with our girl,” he wrote.

The Mother’s Court Appearance

Authorities arrested Todd, 34, after she reported her daughter missing. Hours before they found Claire, her mother, Rachel-Ella Todd, appeared in court on child-abandonment charges. She claimed to have lost Claire while in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, but police were able to trace their movements and gather evidence that placed them in the St. Albert and Casselman area on the same day Claire disappeared.

The court adjourned Todd’s case and scheduled her bail hearing for Friday. Authorities are currently detaining her at Leclerc prison in Laval as she awaits further legal proceedings. Crown prosecutors have opposed her release, citing the severity of the charges against her.

A Huge Relief for the Community

The search for Claire Bell involved over 250 search and rescue personnel. The police used helicopters, drones, and tracking dogs in an effort to locate her. Premier François Legault of Quebec praised the police and the public for their dedication in finding Claire, calling it “almost a miracle.” He also thanked all those who provided tips and information during the search.

Law enforcement found Claire Bell, scored a victory, and filled the entire community with joy. Many community members exhaled in relief, glad officers had secured the young girl’s safety.

How do you feel about the investigation into Claire Bell’s disappearance and the charges against her mother? Do you think more could have been done during the search?

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/missing-quebec-toddlers-mother-arrested-search-continues
• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-missing-montreal-girl-found-alive-ontario
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/on-patrol/article/montreal-toddler-spotted-alive-in-ontario-just-before-mother-reported-her-missing