Near Bemidji: New Tip Revives Kevin Ayotte Search

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A new lead has brought investigators back to the mysterious disappearance of 3-year-old Kevin Jay Ayotte.

Kevin vanished on September 30, 1982, from his family’s summer home in Sugar Bush Township, northeast of Bemidji.

Now, 44 years later, authorities are searching a nearby property following information provided by family members.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are working together on the investigation.

New Tip Sends Investigators to Nearby Property

Investigators began searching the property on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and expected their work to continue through the weekend.

According to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, authorities are examining outbuildings rather than the main residence.

Someone previously considered a person of interest once lived at the property, according to the sheriff’s office.

That person no longer lives there, although family members remain at the location.

The BCA confirmed its agents were assisting with a search warrant in Sugar Bush Township.

Investigators have not announced any discoveries connected to the latest search.

What Happened to Kevin Ayotte in 1982?

Kevin was playing upstairs with his older brother when his mother briefly stepped outside their summer home.

When she returned, Kevin was gone.

The family’s Springer Spaniel puppy, named Flash, also disappeared around the same time.

Kevin had limited speech and a hearing impairment, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The Family Dog Returned, But Kevin Never Did

Five days after Kevin vanished, Flash returned to the family home on October 5, 1982.

The puppy’s return raised questions about where it had been and whether it could lead investigators to Kevin.

Veterinarians examined the dog’s stomach contents and found swamp grass, according to earlier investigative accounts.

Investigators later placed a tracking collar on Flash and released him at different locations.

They hoped the puppy would return to wherever Kevin had disappeared.

Instead, Flash repeatedly made his way home.

The original search involved hundreds of volunteers and assistance from state and federal agencies.

Despite those efforts, authorities found no confirmed trace of Kevin.

Search Continues After More Than Four Decades

The latest investigation has renewed attention on one of northern Minnesota’s long-standing missing-child cases.

Lakeland News reported that investigators were examining several areas around a building on the property.

A drone was also observed above the home and garage during the operation.

As of October 23, 2026, authorities had announced no new evidence or breakthrough.

Kevin’s disappearance remains an active mystery, and investigators continue following available leads.

Anyone With Information Is Asked to Come Forward

Anyone with information about Kevin’s disappearance can contact the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office at 218-333-9111.

Tips can also be shared with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Kevin’s official Minnesota BCA missing person bulletin remains available to the public.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.