posts of articles on Madison Scott from the the news media

Reward boosted for info about young Vanderhoof woman’s disappearance (from The Province)

Madison (Maddy) Scott went missing from a party at Hogsback Lake in the Vanderhoof area three months ago. Her parents boosted the reward for info about her disappearance to $25,000 on Thursday.

Photograph by: Submitted, RCMP

Three months after she mysteriously vanished, the family of a 20-year-old Vanderhoof woman have boosted the reward for information into her disappearance.

Madison “Maddy” Scott was last seen on May 28 at Hogsback Lake.

Police say the investigation into her disappearance remains a big priority.

“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,” said North District RCMP Sgt. Rob Vermeulen in a release Thursday.

“The search for Madison Scott has been both hopeful and emotionally disappointing,” said Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen in a statement. “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.”

Thiessen urged anyone with information to come forward.

Continue reading »

Anguished Vanderhoof parents increase reward for info about missing daughter (from the Vancouver Sun)

Madison Scott, 20, was last seen on Saturday May 28th out at Hogsback Lake, just south of Vanderhoof, which is located in northern B.C. along Highway 16. Photograph by: Handout, RCMP

The anguished parents of Madison Scott of Vanderhoof have increased the reward to $25,000 on the third-month anniversary of their 20-year-old daughter going missing.

The parents had previously offered a reward of $15,000.

“We’re hoping it will generate more information,” RCMP Sgt. Rob Vermeulen said of the boost in the reward.

The investigation so far has generated 780 tasks and there still are about 50 remaining, but police still are seeking information that might solve the mysterious disappearance of Scott, who was last seen at 3 a.m. on May 28 at Hogsback Lake, about 25 kilometres south of Vanderhoof.

“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,” Vermeulen said.

“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.”

So far, there has been no evidence of foul play but investigators cannot rule out the possibility as time goes on with no sightings of Scott or contact with her family, Vermeulen said.

An extensive search was launched May 29, when Scott failed to return home from a party at the lake.

At its peak, more than 150 search and rescue personnel and volunteers from Vanderhoof and neighbouring communities conducted air, land and water searches of the area.

Police found her tent and pickup truck, but the investigation has determined that there are two items that have yet to be recovered that may assist in locating Scott: her new iPhone 4 that had a bluish green or turquoise shell/skin cover, and her large bundle of keys, which has a Ford truck key on it.

The keys may or may not be on a black gothic-themed lanyard, police said.

Scott’s disappearance is being investigated by the North District Crime Unit, which has been in contact with E-Pana investigators, who are investigating murders and disappearances along Highway 16, the so-called Highway of Tears that runs through Vanderhoof.

Days after Scott disappeared, her parents, Dawn and Eldon Scott, issued a statement saying: “We love our daughter, we need her back home, we need to find her. Please help us. Thank-you.”

The parents described Maddy as a “beautiful, caring and loving daughter, sister and friend” who loves sports and photography, has a great sense of humour and loves to socialize with family and friends.

They said it was important for anyone with any information to come forward and speak to police.

Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen said the search for the missing young women has been both hopeful and emotionally disappointing.

“Everywhere in town, on cars or business windows, there are posters looking for Madison,” the mayor said in a statement Thursday.

“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.”

Anyone with information is asked to call with information to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250) 567-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

nhall@vancouversun.com

Read more at The Vancouver Sun:

B.C. woman’s disappearance ‘remains a mystery’ (from CBC)

CBC News Posted: Aug 26, 2011 6:34 AM PT

Major crime investigators continue to search for a young Vanderhoof, B.C., woman now missing for almost three months.

Madison Scott was last seen at a party at Hogsback Lake, a forest recreation site near the town — about 60 kilometres west of prince George — in the early morning hours of May 28.

Scott, 20, disappeared with her iPhone and the keys to her pickup truck, leaving her tent and the vehicle behind.

Police admit they’re baffled by the case.

“Despite an extensive ground, air, water search and interviews, this case remains a mystery,” said RCMP Cpl. Annie Linteau. “We’re doing everything we can to locate Madison.”

In July, Scott’s family posted a $15,000 reward and her mother taped a video plea

“We love our daughter. We need her back home

. We need to find her. Please help us,” Dawn Scott said in the video.

Family, friends, and local volunteers continue to scour the region’s lakes, trails, and forests.

Posters featuring a photograph of Scott have been put up throughout Alberta and B.C.

She is described as five feet four inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds with ginger-coloured hair.

Police say at this point, there’s nothing to link Scott’s disappearance to 18 other cases of missing and slain women along the so-called “Highway of Tears” in northern B.C.

Missing woman’s parents offer $15,000 reward, 20-year-old last seen May 28 (from The Vancouver Sun)

The family of a woman who disappeared from the Vanderhoof area last month have offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.

“We are hopeful and continue to believe that someone out there has the information we need to bring our daughter home,” parents Eldon and Dawn Scott said in a statement released Tuesday.

“Please, search your heart, search your mind and review your memory and call the RCMP with any bit of information you may have,” the parents said.

“We love our daughter. We need her back home

. We need to find her. Please help us.”

Their 20-year-old daughter, Madison Scott, was last seen May 28 out at Hogsback Lake, just south of Vanderhoof, which is located in northern B.C. along Highway 16.

The highway between Prince Rupert and Prince George has been dubbed the Highway of Tears because so many teenage girls and young women have been gone missing or were found murdered in communities along that stretch of road.

Madison vanished after attending a party at the lake.

Police found her tent and pickup truck, but the investigation has determined there are two items that have yet to be recovered: her new iPhone 4 that had a bluish green or turquoise shell/skin cover, and her large bundle of keys, which has a Ford truck key on it.

The keys may or may not be on a black, gothic-themed lanyard, police said.

The two items were last seen in Madison’s possession and have not been located, despite a massive search effort by the RCMP, Search and Rescue and civilian volunteers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222 or those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

nhall@vancouversun.com

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Scott Family Issue Reward (from RCMP)


Video

TRANSCRIPTION OF VIDEO:

My name is Dawn Scott and this is my husband Eldon. We are the parents of 20 year old Madison Scott. Our daughter Maddy was last seen on Saturday May 28th out at Hogsback Lake, just south of our hometown of Vanderhoof.

While we continue to receive outstanding support from our friends and the community, and the RCMP continues to follow up on information and tips – we have not been able to locate our daughter.

Therefore, we would like to announce that we are offering a reward of up $15,000 for information leading to the safe return of our daughter Madison Scott.

We are hopeful and continue to believe that someone out there has the information we need to bring our daughter home. Please, search your heart, search your mind and review your memory and call the RCMP with any bit of information you may have.

Call the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250) 567-2222. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, where you may also be eligible for a reward for information.

We love our daughter. We need her back home. We need to find her

. Please help us.

Thank-you.

Reward Poster Issued by Scott Family. Click here to view.

Original article on RCMP site with Video

Police update:

This investigation remains a priority for the North District Major Crime Unit and the Vanderhoof RCMP.

Investigators remain in town following up on the over 500 tasks generated by this file and from information received to date.

The investigation has determined that there are two items that have yet to be recovered, that may assist in locating Madison Scott. Police are looking for her new IPhone 4 that had a bluish green or turquoise shell/skin cover. Police are also looking for Madison’s keys. They are described as a large bundle with a Ford truck key on it. It may or may not be on a black gothic-themed lanyard. These two items were last seen in Madison’s possession and have not been located, despite a massive search effort by Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers.

Police are aware that the Scott family has announced that they are issuing a $15,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of Madison. Police believe that someone out there has that critical piece of information needed and are also appealing to the public to come forward and speak to us.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen Madison or may know of her whereabouts to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP immediately at (250) 567-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For high resolution of the Scott Family statement go to www.sendtonews.com
Released by:

Sgt. Rob VERMEULEN
Senior Media Relations Officer
“E” Div Strategic Communications
5255 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K6
Office: 604-264-2929
Fax: 604-264-3200
Email:bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Sgt. Rob VERMEULEN on Twitter

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

PG Community Contributes To Search For Madison (from Opinion 250 News)


By Michelle Cyr-Whiting from Opinion 250 (please visit their site as they have been excellent in reporting on the effort to help find Madison Scott)

Sunday, June 19, 2011 06:00 AM

Fundraiser at the Fraser-Fort George Regional District Office

Prince George, B.C. – Madison Scott’s uncle works at the Fraser-Fort George Regional District…

Murray Scott has taken time off work to join with family members in the ongoing search for the 20-year-old Vanderhoof woman who has not been seen since May 28th, when she attended a party near the community, at Hogsback Lake.

Yesterday, employees at the Regional District Office held a garage sale to help support the search efforts.  One of the organizers, Susan McMullin, said community response was wonderful – with people arriving even before the 8am start time.

And McMullin said a number of people didn’t buy anything, they just stopped in to donate cash.

“Since we’ve gotten involved in this, I’ll tell you that, personally, I’m overwhelmed by the response from the public, as well as from the people that I work with – this is an incredible group of people I work with,” said McMullin (at centre in photo with Regional District colleagues Donna Munt on left, and Meredith Burmaster on right)

Regional District staff did some in-house fundraising, too, and a total of $2180 will be forwarded to the search fund.  An account has also been set up at the Nechako Bottle Depot, so that people can donate their bottle return refunds, as well.

McMullin and her husband plan to join in search efforts near Vanderhoof today.

“I cannot imagine how these parents are coping with not knowing where she is or what’s happened to her

. It’s beyond words for me.”

For more information on how to volunteer, the Scott family has set up a website at madisonscott.ca

Efforts Continue To Locate Madison Scott (from Opinion 250 News)


By 250 News

Saturday, June 18, 2011 05:00 AM

Search efforts will resume later this morning in the ongoing effort to find Madison Scott… The 20-year-old Vanderhoof woman has not been seen since May 28th when she attended a party at Hogsback Lake, intending to camp there for the night

.

Last weekend, volunteers were canvassing the Blackwater, Sinkut Mountain and Bobtail Road systems – they travelled by vehicle, atvs, and did walking grid searches along the roads and trails. Another helicopter search was conducted yesterday and the chopper will be back in the air again today.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out with the search effort can phone Dawn in Vanderhoof at 250-567-4159.

Earlier this month, her parents issued a public plea for information about Madison’s whereabouts.

The Scott Family has now set up a Help Find Madison Scott website to spread the word about the young woman’s disappearance. In addition, a fundraising garage sale is being held in Prince George today at the Regional District of Fraser Fort George office, where Madison’s uncle works. The sale runs from 8:30am this morning to 3pm, with money raised going into the Help Find Madison Scott Search Fund.

Search For Madison Scott Continues (from 94X and The Wolf News)


Prince George, B.C.- Investigators are still in Vanderhoof looking into the hundreds of files that have been generated in regards to Madison Scott. The 20 year old hasn’t been seen since May 28th where she was camping at Hogsback Lake South of Vanderhoof

. Sergeant Rob Vermeulen says a private search is still going on in the District. He says “the file goes until it is solved, until we know what happened and where she is.” “Investigators will be at it for a while because there are over 500 tasks that need to be completed.” Vermeulen says Investigators are in constant communication with Madison’s parents. Anyone with information on her disappearance is asked to call Vanderhoof RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Fundraising for Scott search fund continues (from Omineca Express)

By Hannah Wright – Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Published: June 15, 2011 8:00 AM

While the search for missing local woman Madison Scott continues, community efforts to raise money for the search fund are also ongoing. A fundraiser at the Buffalo Beach bar on Saturday June 4 raised over $5,500 for the fund.

The night was organized by a family friend of the Scott’s, Kelly Ross. She said the night was a huge success.

“We raised way more money than I expected,” said Ross. “Entrance was by donation ..

. people put anything from a toonie to a $100 bill in there,” she said. A portion of the liquor sales were also donated to the fund and all of the bar and waitressing staff donated  their tips from the night.

A fundraiser was also held by NV Video on Sunday June 5. All the proceeds from any films rented or purchased between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. went to the fund. Just under $1,700 was raised. Heather Meda, the owner of NV Video, is also a friend of the Scott family and wanted to do something to help. Meda said she may do another fundraiser at the store. “It depends how long it [the search] goes on for – if it still keeps going on I’ll do it again for sure,” she said.

Last week Integris Credit Union set up a concession stall outside their building on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to raise money for the fund. Hotdogs and water were sold for a three dollar donation and all proceeds went to the fund. Integris donated all of the provisions. Staff working on the stall said they had raised approximately $1,000 during the three days.

On Tuesday last week, the parents of Madison Scott issued a public statement during a press conference in which they thanked the community for all the support they have been receiving. “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support and assistance from the community in our effort to find our daughter,” said Madison’s mother Dawn Scott in the press conference. “We want to say thank-you to our family, friends and the community of Vanderhoof and our neighbouring communities who continue to be a daily source of inspiration and strength.”

Parents of missing local woman speak out (from Omineca Express)

By Hannah Wright – Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Published: June 14, 2011 4:00 PM
Updated: June 14, 2011 4:10 PM
Dawn and Eldon Scott, the parents of missing local woman Madison Scott, issued a public plea last Tuesday for information in relation to their daughters disappearance. Scott was last seen at a party at Hogsback Lake at 3 a.m. on May 28.

The parents of missing local woman Madison Scott issued a plea to the public last Tuesday to help them find their 20-year-old daughter.

Scott left Vanderhoof on Friday May 27 with the intention of camping overnight at the lake.

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 extensive search efforts to locate her have been unsuccessful so far.

During a press conference at the Omineca Safe Home, Madison’s parents Eldon and Dawn Scott described her as “a beautiful, caring and loving daughter, sister and friend.”

“She is a passionate 20-year-old young woman who loves sports and photography. She has a great sense of humour and she loves to socialize with family and friends,” said Dawn Scott.

Dawn also said that the family have been “overwhelmed” by the support shown from the community.

“We are thankful for the police and Search and Rescue personnel who used every tool and resource available to conduct a thorough search of the area,” she said.

“And then there are the dozens, even hundreds of volunteers who continue to return to Hogsback Lake daily to look through the area and surrounding areas. It is hard to believe all that they have done and continue to do.”

She added that her family will do “whatever it takes” to find Madison

.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police.

“So please, it doesn’t matter how small or insignificant it might seem, call the RCMP and let them know what you know, heard or saw or think you might have seen … we love our daughter, we need her back home, we need to find her. Please help us,” Dawn concluded.

Sergeant Rob Vermeulen, RCMP spokesperson with E Division, also gave the public an update during the press conference.

He said that the RCMP has 14 investigators working on the 300 – 400 tasks generated by information they have received so far.

“We are very pleased with the level of co-operation from those that have come forward or have spoken to investigators.

“However, we do continue to believe that there is more information out there and we are once again appealing to the public to come forward and speak to us,” he said.

He added that investigators are still speaking to those who attended the parties at Hogsback Lake the weekend Madison went missing, and that there are still those who haven’t yet come forward.

“We don’t believe that we’ve made contact with everyone that was out there at this point so that’s what we’re looking for.

“We’re also looking for anyone that may have been in touch with Madison, may have had an idea of what her plans were for the weekend, anything she might have said – they may not have been at the party itself but they may have been in touch with her,” he said.

While an extensive private search launched by friends and family continues, Dawn confirmed on Tuesday that they have stopped searching by air as of Monday last week.

“It was our decision, our choice,” said Dawn.

Sgt. Vermeulen said the private search is ongoing but that police are now focusing on the investigation and not the search.

“I can tell you I looked at their search map and the search area is huge, they’ve covered thousands of kilometres of roads and trails – it’s been pretty impressive – they’ve searched some areas two or three times,” he said.

He also confirmed that they did send a diver into the lake to search the camp site area, but found nothing.

He described Madison’s disappearance as a “mystery”….

“There’s no evidence of what happened … but I think that makes you more determined to find out what happened,” he said.

Her parents added that they weren’t sure whether Madison was planning to stay for one or two nights at the lake.

“It wasn’t set in stone but it wasn’t out of character … it is a somewhat remote area and the cell service isn’t always that great there and she was with a group of friends,” said Dawn.

She also said that they knew some of the people she was with that night but not all.

“No … it turns out that we don’t know who all the people were that were there.

“Somebody knows what went on out there … somebody saw something and they’re just not coming forward I believe,” said Dawn.

They described her as an experienced camper and said she knew the area well.

“She’s been there a million times before,” said Dawn.

Although police confirmed her phone was active at around 7 a.m. on May 28, four hours after she was last seen, Vermeulen confirmed on Tuesday that it was not anything outgoing.

Madison Scott is described as a 20-year-old Caucasian, 5 foot 4, 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.

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