The investigation continues into the search for Madison Scott, the 20 year old Vanderhoof woman, who was last seen on Saturday May 28th at Hogsback Lake.
“This investigation remains a priority for North District Major Crime,” says Sgt. Rob Vermeulen spokesperson for the RCMP.
“And while investigators appreciate the level of community interest in Madison’s disappearance, they still believe that there is information out there or those that have not come forward yet”.
“The search for Madison Scott has been both hopeful and emotionally disappointing,” says Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen. “Everywhere in town, on cars or business windows, there are posters looking for Madison. I get calls from residents on summer vacation hoping that there is something new to report, something that will help us find her. Now it’s time for both Madison and the Scott family, that those with information come forward and talk to the RCMP.”
An extensive search was launched on Sunday May 29th, when Madison Scott was reported missing after failing to return from a party at Hogsback Lake. At its peak over 150 Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers from Vanderhoof and neighbouring communities conducted air, land and water searches of the area. Despite their efforts, Madison and items like her new iPhone 4 and her large bundle of keys, remain missing.
Investigators continue to follow up on the over 780 tasks generated by this file, including various interviews.
“Investigators believe that additional information is out there that will be useful as they continue to try to piece together Madison’s movements and actions prior to disappearing. What can often happen in an investigation like this is that people think their information is not that important or that someone else has likely told police already, but we often find that is not the case. It's very likely that not everyone at Hogsback Lake that weekend Madison disappeared has come forward yet, or has provided us with all the information we need”, says Sgt. Vermeulen
The Scott family has increased the reward to up to $25,000 and is asking anyone with information to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP immediately at (250) 567-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Statement released on September 1, 2011 by Dawn and Eldon Scott, Parents of Madison Scott (Maddy) in Vanderhoof.
It has been three difficult months since our daughter Maddy was last seen out at Hogsback Lake, just south of our hometown of Vanderhoof.
It is hard to express the concern, sadness, and frustration that we have been going through as we wait for answers but our commitment to finding Maddy, and the truth of her disappearance has not wavered.
There is a possibility that Maddy’s disappearance may be the result of foul play and, while the RCMP continues to follow up on information and tips – we have chosen to support their efforts by increasing our reward. Therefore, we would like to announce that we have increased our reward up to $25,000 for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for her disappearance.
It is our hope and belief that there is information out there that will help us locate our daughter.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our family, friends, community and region who continue to support us and work with us in our search for answers. We have always loved living here and it is often in a time of crisis that you truly see the network of support that exists in an area that we are proud to call home. So thank you again.
These are not easy times. Our daughter remains missing and we need your help. We have learned a lot through this process, but one thing that has become apparent is that information is what drives an investigation. There is no excuse not to call the police with what you know. There is no way to rationalize talking about this case with others and not the police. If you want to know how you can help us, call the Vanderhoof RCMP or Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous, with any information that you may have because we need to find Maddy.
Thank-you.