An RCMP dive team was scanning the water of Hogsback Lake, Friday, with eyes open for Madison Scott, a missing young woman.
She was last seen at the popular recreation spot south of Vanderhoof at about 3 a.m. May 29 at a party. She, like many from the general area, was camping at the lake for the weekend. She was reported missing by family when she did not return Sunday afternoon as expected.
“We had the dive team out on the lake [Friday], using sonar. They will be out on the water for eight to nine hours,” said provincial RCMP spokesman Sgt. Rob Vermeulen.
“We will be using a diver to check the water around the campsite. That is not based on any information, it is standard search procedure when we have a mystery like this. When you don’t have a particular lead, you have to work at ruling things out. We had the ground and surface water search, including from the air, and now we are checking in the water around the camping area.”
Police are following up on several tips, but no strong lead. A rumour about her cell phone being used at 7 a.m. the day she disappeared was baseless, said Vermeulen, but “there are all kinds of rumours and we have to follow up on everything we hear.”
“I know the family is still searching the area, with the help of friends and supporters,” said Vermeulen
. “They are keeping in very close contact with our investigators, yes.”
A fund has been set up at all branches of Integris Credit Union to gather donations for a more exhaustive private search.
“It is healthy,” said Integris spokesman Dan Wingham of the sentiments brought forward by the public.
There are branches of Integris in Prince George, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Quesnel and Clinton.
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