‘This family’s time stopped’: $5K reward offered as search continues for Eli Wood

Eli Wood, 25, in undated photos. (Source: Waterloo Regional Police)

Nearly two months after Eli Wood was reported missing, the family is renewing its appeal for information as winter conditions intensify.

The 25-year-old went missing more than eight weeks ago, around the same time a fire broke out at their Kitchener home on Oct. 19. According to Waterloo Regional Police, the cause of the fire was arson and Wood’s disappearance is considered suspicious.

No new details have been shared about the investigation, including why foul play is believed to be involved.

In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said the lack of answers has been especially difficult as the holidays pass and colder weather sets in.

“Two months ago. Two months of unanswered questions. Two months of a family waking up every single day without knowing where their child is. While the world moved on, this family’s time stopped,” the post read in part.

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

“Someone, somewhere, knows something,” the post read. “As temperatures drop and winter tightens its grip, the urgency is impossible to ignore. Geek should be safe. Geek should be warm. They should be with their family.”

As of Wednesday morning, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) said there are no new updates in the investigation. Police also said the reward is being offered independently and that WRPS is not involved.