CASE FILE #BLPD-2011-05-28-001
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UNSOLVED

Death Of Madison Scott

Missing Person Investigation

CLASSIFICATION: Missing Person

LOCATION

Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada

TIME PERIOD

May 28, 2011 - May 2023

VICTIMS

1 confirmed

CASE ACTIONS
AI ANALYSIS
OFFICIAL BRIEFING (FACT-BASED)

On May 28, 2011, Madison "Maddy" Scott, a 20-year-old woman, disappeared after attending a party at Hogsback Lake, located 25 kilometers southeast of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. Her remains were discovered and identified on May 29, 2023, at a rural property in Vanderhoof. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.

COMMUNITY INTELLIGENCE (THEORY-BASED)

The community has speculated about the circumstances surrounding Madison Scott's disappearance, particularly focusing on the party she attended at Hogsback Lake and the potential involvement of individuals present that night. Theories suggest that foul play may have been involved, given the mysterious nature of her vanishing and the delayed discovery of her remains over a decade later. Additionally, discussions around the area where her body was found have led to further speculation about the safety of the location and its history.

FULL CASE FILE

The Disappearance and Discovery of Madison Scott

The Last Night at Hogsback Lake

On the evening of May 27, 2011, Madison "Maddy" Geraldine Scott, a 20-year-old apprentice heavy-duty mechanic from Vanderhoof, British Columbia, set out with her friend Jordi Bolduc for a party at Hogsback Lake—just 25 kilometers southeast of her hometown. Maddy, whose vibrant personality matched her striking ginger hair and green eyes, was known for her spontaneity and love for outdoor activities like dirt biking and horseback riding. That night, she drove her white 1990 Ford F-150 pickup truck to the party, intending to camp overnight in her tent.

As the night unfolded, a fight broke out around midnight, prompting Bolduc, who was injured, to leave with her new boyfriend. Despite Bolduc's urging, Maddy decided to stay at the campsite. Bolduc returned the next morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. to gather her belongings and found Maddy's tent unzipped, with the sleeping bags and items pushed aside. Maddy was nowhere to be found, but Bolduc did not report her absence.

The Timeline of Events

Maddy's movements that night were meticulously pieced together. She arrived at Hogsback Lake with Bolduc, gathered firewood, and later returned home to retrieve a larger tent before settling in for the night. Between 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., she texted her father. Around 1:40 a.m., others at the party asked if she wanted to leave with them, but she declined. By the next morning, a larger party had taken place with approximately 150 attendees, and Maddy's tent was found flattened.

The Search Begins

When Maddy's parents, Eldon and Dawn Scott, arrived at Hogsback Lake on May 29, they found her tent collapsed and her pickup truck locked, but there was no sign of their daughter. Dawn immediately contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to report her disappearance. The RCMP found no evidence of a struggle and noted that the only items missing along with Maddy were her iPhone 4 and a large bundle of keys.

Intensive Search Efforts

The search for Madison Scott was exhaustive. The area around Hogsback Lake, which spans 128 acres and reaches a depth of 22 feet, was thoroughly combed using various methods. Search teams on foot, horseback, and quad scoured the area, while helicopters equipped with forward-looking infrared cameras searched from above. Divers explored the lake's depths, and cadaver dogs sniffed through the surrounding woods. The family and friends of Maddy launched a public awareness campaign, distributing flyers, setting up billboards, and offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to a breakthrough.

Theories and Speculations

Despite extensive investigations, the RCMP found no indications that Maddy voluntarily left the campsite. Theories emerged, including possible involvement in the Highway of Tears cases—a series of unsolved disappearances along Highway 16. However, Maddy's case did not fit the criteria for inclusion. Another theory involved Fribjon Bjornson, a 28-year-old with a history of drug abuse, who had been socially linked to Maddy. Though police explored this angle, they found no significant connections, and Bjornson was later murdered in 2012.

Discovery of Remains

The mystery surrounding Madison Scott's disappearance lingered for over a decade, haunting the community of Vanderhoof. Then, in May 2023, a breakthrough finally came. Her remains were discovered at a rural property several kilometers from Hogsback Lake. The RCMP confirmed the identification of her remains on May 29, 2023, one day after the 12th anniversary of her disappearance. A vigil was held at Nechako Valley Secondary School, attended by community members who had long hoped for closure.

Conclusion

Madison Scott's case, while now closed with the discovery of her remains, remains a poignant example of the challenges and heartaches associated with missing person cases. Despite years of searching and the persistent efforts of her family and community, the mystery of her final hours and the circumstances of her death may never be fully understood. Her story continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring impact of such tragedies on small communities and the importance of unwavering hope and perseverance.

Sources

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CASE TIMELINE
May 26, 2011

Madison Scott Disappears

Madison Scott goes missing after a party at Hogsback Lake.

May 27, 2011

Parents Report Missing

Madison's parents arrive at the campsite and report her disappearance to the RCMP.

May 29, 2011

Search Efforts Begin

Extensive search efforts commence, involving various teams and methods.

Dec 30, 2011

Foul Play Suspected

RCMP announce they believe foul play is involved in Madison's disappearance.

Apr 29, 2023

Remains Discovered

Madison Scott's remains are found at a rural property near Vanderhoof.

May 27, 2023

Identification Confirmed

RCMP confirm the identification of Madison Scott's remains.

Jun 1, 2023

Vigil Held

A candlelight vigil is held in memory of Madison Scott, attended by 2,000 people.

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