Friend of Eli Wood searching for answers 3 months after disappearance

Friends and family still hold out hope someone will find a missing Kitchener resident. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk explains how online sleuths have gotten involved.

Three months after a fire tore through Eli Wood’s apartment in Kitchener, Ont., his friends and family are still searching for answers.

Wood was last seen on Oct. 18, 2025. In the early morning hours of Oct. 19, flames engulfed his home. Police haven’t said what caused the fire, but suspect arson and foul play could be involved in Wood’s disappearance.

“I think for me, the hardest thing is not knowing what has happened,” said Michelle Roy-Brock in an interview with CTV News Monday.

Roy-Brock said she’s known Wood for years. The pair initially met at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick where they were both pursuing their undergraduate degrees.

“Eli is probably one of the most kindest people I have ever met in my life,” she said. “This whole situation completely shocks me because nobody deserves this, but Eli deserves this so much less.”

Roy-Brock said she uses social media to share Wood’s story in hopes that new information will be brought to light. However, she said misinformation is also making the rounds online.

“People are kind of just making up stories, acting like this is some sort of TV show. And it hurts,” she said.

Dozens of videos dissecting the case have been posted online. While many may be well-intended, some may cause more harm than good.

“The criticisms of the police and a whole bunch of silly theories aren’t going to help find Eli,” said Chris Lewis, CTV News’ Public Safety Analyst and former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner.

Lewis said there’s a fine line when it comes to the role social media can play in criminal investigations. On one hand, it can lead to tips, but on the other, it can put more pressure on police.

“Trust the police to do what they need to do,” said Lewis. “And if you can help find Eli, then help. Other than that, stay out of it.”

When CTV News reached out to Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) on Monday, they did not provide an update on the investigation. However, they confirmed it remains active and ongoing.

Police also referred to a news release issued in December 2025, urging people not to rely on “unverified information circulating on social media as it may be inaccurate and could hinder the investigation.”

In the meantime, Roy-Brock said the fight to find Wood continues.

“Continue sharing and talking about Eli and showing his face to everybody you know, [it] could make a difference,” she said.

Wood’s family said a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact WRPS or Crime Stoppers.