Candlelight vigil for Madison Scott in Vanderhoof, B.C. attended by 2,000 people – Global News
By Kristen Robinson & darrianglb Global News
Posted June 4, 2023 7:51 pm
Updated June 5, 2023 1:08 pm
Original Article on Global News
A candlelight vigil for Madison Scott drew a crowd almost half the size of the community of 4,500.
Two thousand people filled the field at Nechako Valley Secondary School in Vanderhoof, B.C., Saturday.
Scott loved hockey and baseball and attendees were invited to wear jerseys in her honour.
“It’s the start of the healing journey that we can come together and be there for each other,” Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray said.
Former classmates of Scott’s remember her vibrant personality.
“Just her happiness her whole demeanour of always smiling always and always in a good mood and really just such a spark,” said Michael Simoes.
“We were sharing lots of pictures and memories and talking and it’s just a different feeling — I don’t really know how to put a finger on it,” said Brittany Giesbrecht.
Exactly 12 years after she vanished, Scott’s remains were discovered on a rural property on the southeast edge of Vanderhoof last week.
RCMP investigators are at the site, and conducting a search of the property through a warrant.
A heavy police presence remains at the property, in the 6500 block of Southslope Road, with an RCMP checkpoint halfway up the driveway.
Scott’s parents said they never gave up hope their daughter would be found.
“Just her happiness her whole demeanour of always smiling always and always in a good mood and really just such a spark,” said Michael Simoes.
“We were sharing lots of pictures and memories and talking and it’s just a different feeling — I don’t really know how to put a finger on it,” said Brittany Giesbrecht.
Exactly 12 years after she vanished, Scott’s remains were discovered on a rural property on the southeast edge of Vanderhoof last week.
RCMP investigators are at the site, and conducting a search of the property through a warrant.
A heavy police presence remains at the property, in the 6500 block of Southslope Road, with an RCMP checkpoint halfway up the driveway.
Scott’s parents said they never gave up hope their daughter would be found.
Scott was last seen around 3 a.m. on May 28, 2011, at Hogsback Lake, which is southeast of Vanderhoof. She was celebrating a friend’s birthday.
When the 20-year-old didn’t return home, her parents drove to the lake the next day and found her truck with her purse still inside, as well as a flattened tent.
“Our initial search efforts were around the lake and the trails and what was significant on that first day was the lack of clues other than the truck and tent located,” said Chris Mushumanski with Nechako Valley Search and Rescue.
“We were deeply disappointed that we didn’t find her in those first few days,” added Mark Durupt of Nechako Valley Search and Rescue.
The rural property where Scott was found is about 18 kilometres away from Hogsback Lake.
RCMP officials have said the rural property search is ongoing and “will take as long as is required.”
Foul play has not been ruled out in Scott’s death and no charges have been laid.
To the Scott family,
You have been in my thoughts so many times through this almost year of finding Maddison! I’ve been praying for the absolute truth to come out & that Justice will be served for all of you. I haven’t seen any updates since last year and was just wondering if anything at all has come out or because it’s still an ongoing investigation they aren’t saying anything! Just wanted you to know I’m still thinking about you all and praying for the answers to come out! So many times I’ve wanted to come there, but I’m in upstate NY so it’s a long & expensive trip! Just know you’re always in my thoughts & prayers!