The parents of missing local woman Madison Scott have upped a reward for any information leading to the return of their daughter.
It’s been over three months since 20-year-old Scott went missing, and still extensive search efforts to locate any trace of her remain unsuccessful.
Madison Scott left Vanderhoof on Friday May 27 with the intention of camping overnight at Hogsback Lake, 25 kilometres south of Vanderhoof.
She was last seen by friends at the lake at 3 a.m. on May 28.
Her family called the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment on Sunday May 29 at 2 p.m. when she failed to return home. Police who attended the area located her tent and her truck, but found no trace of Madison.
Her parents originally offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of their daughter. That figure has now been increased to $25,000.
“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,” said Scott’s parents in a statement last Thursday.
“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,” they said.
Family and friends continue to conduct extensive private searches for Madison.
At the end of July Eldon, Dawn and family along with a few friends camped out at Hogsback Lake through heavy rain, searching a number of areas.
During the weekend of August 6, a small group of friends and family searched area’s down the Bobtail Forest Service Road.
Towards the end of August, family and friends continued to search the Hogsback Lake and Blackwater Road area and two volunteer investigators from the Unitied States came to Vanderhoof to work on the case. Separately, they reviewed the information gathered to date and interviewed some of the people who were at the Hogsback Lake party the night Madison disappeared, as well as looking at areas to search.
From August 25 – 27 two trained search dogs searched area’s around Hogsback Lake, Blackwater Road, and several private propteries. However, no evidence or trace of Madison was found.
The family have also been working with a number of psychics to try and locate Madison.
RCMP say the case still remains a priority.
“This investigation remains a priority for North District Major Crime,” says Sgt. Rob Vermeulen spokesperson for the RCMP in a press release Thursday.
“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,” he said.
Investigators continue to follow up on over 780 tasks generated by the case.
“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”, said Vermeulen.
Meanwhile the community continues to come together to raise funds and support for the Madison Scott Search Fund.
On August 28 a concert was held at the Grand Reo Theatre to celebrate the release of a new album from local band Rosewood’s Diary. Entrance was by donation and over $1,400 was raised for the search fund.
Madison Scott is described as a 20-year-old Caucasian, five feet, four inches tall, 170 lbs with ginger hair. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and blue jean Capri pants.
The RCMP are requesting the publics assistance in finding Scott. Anyone who may have seen Madison or may know of her whereabouts should contact the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment immediately at (250) 567-2222. If you wish to report something anonymously you can also call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
“These are not easy times,” stated Dawn and Eldon.
“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.”
If anyone has any ideas of areas to search, or avenues to investigate call Eldon or Dawn Scott at 250-567-4159.
