In November 1997, 26-year-old correctional officer Daniel “Danny” Gaulton disappeared without a trace in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Once a young man full of promise—having recently relocated from Newfoundland and Labrador to serve at a youth facility—his sudden vanishing left his family shattered and his case unsolved for over a quarter-century.
According to official reports, Danny was last seen on November 24, 1997, on the grounds of the now-demolished Park Hotel. He left the premises driving his 1985 gold Chrysler LeBaron and was never seen or heard from again. Both he and his vehicle simply vanished. His family immediately reported him missing the following day.
🔍 Signs of foul play, a homicide investigation
When Danny vanished, the case was treated as a missing-person report. But mounting tip leads and evolving evidence over the decades have prompted the RCMP to now consider his disappearance a likely homicide. Rumors and testimonies suggest Danny may have been involved in an altercation at the Park Hotel that night. One individual suspected in the crime has since died, leaving vital questions unanswered.
🎁 A $100,000 reward: Family’s desperate plea
Frustrated by silence and stalled progress, Danny’s sister, Valerie Champion, launched a privately funded reward for information leading to discovering his remains or retrieving his beloved car. To this day, the $100,000 reward remains active. Valerie described her family’s grief as a “rollercoaster” of sadness, anger, and lasting trauma from the unsolved disappearance.
Every November, the anniversary of Danny’s disappearance reminds them of their unfinished loss. Valerie insists his remains must be found for them to finally heal .
🧱 Renewed leads: Podcast and tip surge
In 2020 and 2022, renewed media attention—including a detailed podcast episode—brought fresh perspectives to Danny’s case. Investigative services and social media efforts brought forward witnesses who remembered that fateful night at the Park Hotel. This revived lead pool appears to have convinced authorities to push forward with a criminal investigation.
📢 What the public can do now
Even small pieces of information could be instrumental in cracking this case. Here’s how to help:
Call/text the tip line at 289‑975‑0909
Reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers
Contact Grande Prairie RCMP or post on the “Missing Danny Gaulton” Facebook page
⏳ Why this case still matters
If alive today, Danny would be 51 years old. His family continues to mourn without closure. Valerie states poignantly, “Without his remains, we cannot move on… it’s something we need to accomplish”.
This ongoing investigation signifies more than just one man’s disappearance—it holds the promise of long-delayed justice and healing for a broken family.
📝 Final Thought
Decades of silence haven’t diminished the urgency of Danny’s disappearance. With fresh tips, unresolved leads, and a $100,000 incentive, the time to act is now. Communities can spark the breakthrough that has eluded this family for so long.
Have any memory—even a whisper—of Danny, his vehicle, or that night? Speak up. Help bring him home. Help a family heal.
