Derek Brenton Ritz, known as Ritzy, was last seen in the early hours around New Year’s Day 2017 in Sebringville, Ontario. Reports differ slightly on timing — between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on either December 31, 2016, or January 1, 2017 — and place him in the Avonton Road area, possibly getting into a vehicle. He was 51, described as a Caucasian male, 5 feet 11 inches, 170–177 pounds, with brown shoulder-length hair, brown eyes and a tattoo of a woman with a snake on his right forearm. At the time he disappeared he wore blue jeans, a dark-coloured shirt and a dark leather motorcycle jacket, and may have had an orange backpack.

The Perth County OPP were notified on January 7, 2017, and conducted a 26-hour search including ground crews and a helicopter but found no trace. The case transferred to the Stratford Police Service in April 2019; investigators have interviewed more than 100 potential witnesses and searched many properties. Stratford Police have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Ritz’s whereabouts or to an arrest and conviction. If anyone knew Derek, saw him that night, or has information that could help, please come forward.