Remains of Madison Scott found 12 years after mysterious disappearance

2023-05-30 22:57:19 Written by CBS Report

The RCMP has recently shared a heartbreaking update. After twelve years of searching, they have discovered the remains of Madison (Maddy) Scott. Maddy was just 20 years old when she went missing on May 28, 2011, while celebrating a friend's birthday at a campsite near Hogsback Lake, close to her hometown of Vanderhoof, B.C.

The RCMP's tireless efforts have finally solved this long-standing mystery, providing some closure for Maddy's family and the community.

Police say the identity of the remains have been confirmed by the B.C. Coroners Service and RCMP are currently executing a warrant at a rural property on the east side of Vanderhoof, around 80 kilometres west of Prince George.

 

"The area has been secured, and additional resources are anticipated to be on scene for as long as may be required," said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson in a statement.

 

Scott's family was notified on Sunday, and police say they are asking for privacy. Saunderson said Scott's body was found "days ago" but didn't specify exactly when it was found.

 

 

Neither did Saunderson say whether the information leading to Scott's discovery came from new information provided by the public.

 

 

She said the possibility of foul play has still not been ruled out, but no arrests have been made.

 

 

"This has been a priority investigation for the RCMP over the past 12 years," she said in the statement.

 

"The discovery of Maddy is a significant development [but] this investigation remains an active and ongoing missing person's investigation."

 

Saunderson said she wasn't aware of any danger to the public related to the discovery of Scott's remains.

 

High-profile case

 

Scott's disappearance maintained a high profile, with billboards and posters asking for tips about her disappearance still a common sight in Vanderhoof and neighbouring communities, including Prince George.

 

Her family has offered a $100,000 award for information resulting in arrests related to her disappearance, and her story has been the subject of multiple investigative media reports in Canada and internationally.

 

The last known sighting of her was around 3 a.m. PT on May 28, 2011.

 

She disappeared with her iPhone and the keys to her pickup truck, leaving her tent and the vehicle behind.

 

Family and police said it was unusual for her not to be in touch, leading investigators to believe foul play was involved.

 

Extensive ground, air and water searches were carried out to no avail, and family and friends have kept the hope of her discovery alive through a Facebook page and an annual search of the area where she was last seen.

 

This year, Madison would be 32 years old. She would likely be immersed in her career and may even have gotten married and had children.

 

Saunderson, stated that they are still actively seeking any new information related to the case. She emphasized that even the smallest detail could make a significant impact in solving the case.

 

Every bit of information collected during the investigation will contribute to answering the questions the family has been holding onto for so long. Saunderson encouraged anyone with information to contact the police's tip line at either 778-290-5291 or 877-543-4822