In the quiet, close-knit neighborhoods of Hamilton, Ontario, a family’s world has been turned upside down. The morning of August 5, 2025, started like any other for the DiGiammatteo family, but by 7:30 a.m., their lives took a heart-wrenching turn. Fourteen-year-old Ayva DiGiammatteo, a vibrant young girl with long brown hair and a bright spirit, left her home on Henley Drive in Stoney Creek—and hasn’t been seen since. As the hours stretch into days, her family, friends, and an entire community are gripped by fear, clinging to hope, and rallying together to bring her home.
Ayva, a 5-foot-2 teenager with a medium build and warm brown eyes, was last spotted by her loved ones in the early morning light, dressed in a grey sweatshirt, shorts, and possibly running shoes. Her long brown hair, often pulled back into a ponytail, is a defining feature that makes her stand out. Authorities believe she may have boarded a bus headed toward Dundas, with a possible sighting around 10:00 a.m. near McMurray Street and Highway 8 (King Street West) in the Dundas area. But since then, the trail has gone cold, leaving investigators and her family desperate for answers.
The Hamilton Police Service’s Division 20 is leading the charge, treating Ayva’s disappearance with the utmost urgency due to her young age and the potential dangers she may face. “Ayva’s family is incredibly worried and just wants to know that she’s safe,” a police spokesperson said, their voice heavy with the weight of the situation. “We are asking anyone in the area or who may have seen her to contact us as soon as possible.” The plea is clear: every moment matters, and every pair of eyes could make the difference.
The community response has been swift and heartfelt. Residents of Hamilton, Dundas, and surrounding areas have banded together, sharing Ayva’s description across social media, poring over security footage, and keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of the missing teen. Daniel G. Wiest, a local advocate and publisher of *Dan Wiest Around The Community*, has amplified the call for help, urging people across Norfolk County, Haldimand, Brant, and beyond to join the effort. His platform, dedicated to supporting families in crisis, has become a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that community strength can move mountains.
Ayva’s description paints a picture of a typical teenager: a girl who might blend into a crowd but is unforgettable to those who know her. She’s white, with a medium build, and her long brown hair and brown eyes are likely her most recognizable features. The grey sweatshirt and shorts she was last seen wearing suggest she wasn’t planning for a long journey, adding to the mystery of where she might be. Could she still be in Dundas? Has she traveled farther? Or is she somewhere closer to home, waiting to be found? These questions haunt her family and fuel the urgency of the search.
The Hamilton Police are urging anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward. If you were near Henley Drive in Stoney Creek or the McMurray Street and Highway 8 area in Dundas on August 5, think back—did you see a girl matching Ayva’s description? Do you have doorbell or security camera footage from that morning? Even a fleeting glimpse could be the key to unlocking this mystery. Contact the Division 20 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-2963, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Every tip, no matter how small, could be the one that brings Ayva home.
As the sun rises over Hamilton on August 6, 2025, the community holds its breath, united in a single mission: to find Ayva DiGiammatteo. Her family waits anxiously, their hearts heavy but hopeful, leaning on the support of neighbors and strangers alike. This is more than a missing person case—it’s a call to action for a city to come together, to search every corner, and to never give up. Share Ayva’s story, keep her face in your mind, and let’s work together to bring this 14-year-old back to the arms of those who love her. Every second counts. Let’s bring Ayva home.
