The discovery of remains confirmed to be Madison Scott’s has shocked the community, says Vanderhoof Mayor Keven Moutray.
“This is devastating news, it’s not the outcome that anyone expected, so it’s a real shock to the system,” Moutray said in a telephone interview Monday.
Like most people, Moutray learned the news Monday morning, and up until the day she was first reported missing a dozen years ago.
She was last seen during the early morning hours of May 28, 2011 at Hogsback Lake, southeast of Vanderhoof, where she had been celebrating a friend’s birthday.
A high-profile “Find Maddy” campaign was soon launched. Replete with billboards, bumper stickers, and a fair amount of media coverage over the years, it has kept its demise in the public eye ever since.
That persistence seems to have paid off.
“I really congratulate the group that was leading the charge and keeping her front and center in all of our minds,” Moutray said.
He said police contacted him directly, “but without any more information than what’s in the press release,” he said.
The Scott family was informed and asked for privacy, the RCMP said.
“Obviously, it’s a change in the healing process for the Scott family and we’re going to make sure the community is there for them as we are for everyone,” Moutray said. “But we will be there for them and we will help them through these difficult next stages.”
Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad greeted the news with mixed emotions.
“I always had the hope that maybe they would find her alive,” Rustad said. “Frankly, I really feel sorry for the family, it’s been a terrible experience over the years.”
Other than saying a rural property on the east side of Vanderhoof was secured, police provided few details. But they did say that foul play has not been ruled out.
“I think the police should be given the space to do what they need to do to get those answers and hopefully they’ll be able to do it conveniently,” Rustad said. “There are also a lot of unanswered questions along the 16 Freeway and I hope this helps at least bring some closure to the family and perhaps answer some larger questions as well.”
The family has offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and filing of charges against those responsible for her disappearance.
Anyone with any information is asked to call (778) 290-5291 or (877) 543-4822
