The Disappearance of Madison Scott: A Small-Town Mystery

Vanderhoof, British Columbia—a picturesque town surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain. It's a place where life moves at a steady, familiar pace and where everyone seems to know each other. But in May 2011, the close-knit community was shaken by the disappearance of a young woman whose vibrant personality and adventurous spirit were the heart of those who knew her.

Madison Scott, or Maddy as her loved ones called her, was born on April 29, 1991, to Eldon and Dawn Scott. Growing up alongside her siblings Ben and Georgia, Maddy’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of adventure. She was a force of nature, just as comfortable in a dress as she was in her work coveralls. Whether she was tearing through the trails on her dirt bike or gliding gracefully across the ice as a figure skater, Maddy embraced life with boundless energy.

She thrived on spontaneity, often planning impromptu adventures or performing in amateur video productions with her friends. Her vivacious, playful personality was magnetic—she lit up every room she entered. But Maddy wasn’t just about fun. She had a compassionate and generous heart, always willing to lend a hand or bring a smile to someone’s face.

At Nechako Valley Secondary School, Maddy struck a delicate balance between academics and her vibrant social life. While she was more focused on forging friendships and savoring her teenage years, she still met the demands of her studies. After graduating in 2009, she followed in her father’s footsteps, working as an apprentice heavy-duty mechanic in the logging industry—a testament to her determination and grit.

But for all her light and energy, Maddy’s story took a dark and inexplicable turn. It was a weekend that was supposed to be filled with laughter, celebration, and friends. Late May in British Columbia marked the start of camping season, a time when locals would gather at places like Hogsback Lake to soak in the beauty of nature. For Madison Scott, or Maddy as her friends and family called her, the weekend of May 27th, 2011, would be one to remember—but not in the way anyone expected.

Transcript

Intro: "Welcome to Murder By Nature, where the darkness of true crime, unsolved disappearances, and chilling mysteries come to life. I’m your host, Jazmin Ramirez, and if you’re brave enough to join us, prepare for a journey into the unknown.

References:

• Oxygen
• Reddit
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Madison_Scott
• CBC
• https://missingpeople.ca/the-disappearance-of-madison-scott-may-28th-2011/
• Medium 

Vanderhoof, British Columbia—a picturesque town surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain. It's a place where life moves at a steady, familiar pace and where everyone seems to know each other. But in May 2011, the close-knit community was shaken by the disappearance of a young woman whose vibrant personality and adventurous spirit were the heart of those who knew her.

Madison Scott, or Maddy as her loved ones called her, was born on April 29, 1991, to Eldon and Dawn Scott. Growing up alongside her siblings Ben and Georgia, Maddy’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of adventure. She was a force of nature, just as comfortable in a dress as she was in her work coveralls. Whether she was tearing through the trails on her dirt bike or gliding gracefully across the ice as a figure skater, Maddy embraced life with boundless energy.

She thrived on spontaneity, often planning impromptu adventures or performing in amateur video productions with her friends. Her vivacious, playful personality was magnetic—she lit up every room she entered. But Maddy wasn’t just about fun. She had a compassionate and generous heart, always willing to lend a hand or bring a smile to someone’s face.

At Nechako Valley Secondary School, Maddy struck a delicate balance between academics and her vibrant social life. While she was more focused on forging friendships and savoring her teenage years, she still met the demands of her studies. After graduating in 2009, she followed in her father’s footsteps, working as an apprentice heavy-duty mechanic in the logging industry—a testament to her determination and grit.

But for all her light and energy, Maddy’s story took a dark and inexplicable turn. It was a weekend that was supposed to be filled with laughter, celebration, and friends. Late May in British Columbia marked the start of camping season, a time when locals would gather at places like Hogsback Lake to soak in the beauty of nature. For Madison Scott, or Maddy as her friends and family called her, the weekend of May 27th, 2011, would be one to remember—but not in the way anyone expected.

That Friday, Maddy received an invitation from Jordi Bolduc, an old friend from school. Jordi asked her to attend a birthday party at Hogsback Lake, about 25 kilometers from Vanderhoof. The event, advertised publicly on Facebook, promised a lively gathering of young adults with music, drinks, and bonfires.Excited for the evening, Maddy packed her 1990 Ford F-150 pickup truck with her tent, a cooler of beer, and an overnight bag. But when they arrived at the Forest Service campsite near Hogsback Lake that evening, they realized they had forgotten one crucial item: the tent poles.

It was just a small inconvenience, the kind of hiccup you laugh about later. They drove 25 minutes back to Maddy’s house to grab the poles. Her mom, Dawn, said Maddy was happy, carefree, and looking forward to the night ahead. It would be the last time Dawn ever saw her daughter. By the time Maddy and Jordi returned to the campsite around 9:30 p.m., the party was in full swing. Around 50 people, most between the ages of 18 and 25, had gathered for the birthday celebration. Music echoed through the trees, and the lake shimmered in the glow of flickering bonfires.

As the evening wore on, Maddy mingled with the crowd. Her magnetic personality made her a natural at these gatherings. But one conversation stood out—a brief interaction with a guy she had been interested in for a while. That night, he told her he just wanted to be friends. Disappointed but not devastated, Maddy brushed it off. It wasn’t enough to ruin her night.

But not everyone at the party seemed as carefree. Another young man, someone who had expressed interest in Maddy, appeared frustrated when she didn’t reciprocate. Though his reaction wasn’t public, it didn’t go unnoticed. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, tensions at the party escalated. A fight broke out, and in the chaos, Jordi was injured. Drunk and in pain, she decided to leave the campsite with her boyfriend. Before leaving, she asked Maddy if she wanted a ride home. But Maddy, already settled into her sleeping bag inside her tent, declined. She assured Jordi she’d stay the night and see her in the morning.

*[Music shifts to a darker, more suspenseful tone.]

Jordi returned to the campsite at 8:30 a.m. on May 28th to collect her belongings. She found Maddy’s tent unzipped, with her sleeping bag and other items pushed to the side. But there was no sign of Maddy. Shockingly, Jordi didn’t raise any alarms or notify anyone about what she saw. Back in Vanderhoof, Eldon and Dawn Scott began to worry. By Sunday, May 29th, 2011, they still hadn’t heard from Maddy. Knowing their daughter had planned to camp at Hogsback Lake, they decided to drive out to check on her. What they found was every parent’s nightmare. Maddy’s campsite was in disarray—her tent flattened, her belongings scattered. Her white Ford F-150 was still parked nearby, her purse inside. But Maddy was nowhere to be found.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were contacted immediately after Madison’s parents realized she was missing and couldn’t be located. Her parents,made the call, explaining their growing concerns after repeated attempts to reach her went unanswered. They emphasized how out of character it was for Madison not to check in or respond to messages, especially given her responsible nature. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the RCMP launched an official search that same afternoon, deploying officers to canvas the area where Madison was last seen. Friends, family, and community members also began to rally, organizing search efforts and sharing her description in the hopes of finding her quickly. The Scotts, distraught but determined, provided all the details they could about Madison's habits, recent activities, and the people she had been with, giving investigators a clearer picture of the critical timeline leading up to her disappearance.

*[Sound of a phone ringing fades into a radio scanner tone]

Search and rescue teams scoured the dense woods surrounding Hogsback Lake. Helicopters flew overhead, while divers plunged into the cold, murky waters below. Volunteers from the community joined in, combing through every inch of the area. But despite their efforts, no trace of Maddy was found. The RCMP quickly ruled her disappearance suspicious. 

*[Music swells, with the sound of distant footsteps fading into silence.]

As the days turned to weeks, the search for Madison Scott expanded beyond anything anyone could have imagined. The RCMP’s efforts intensified, as each lead proved to be a dead end, and still, the unanswered question loomed: where was she? Search teams pushed forward, covering every inch of the dense forests surrounding Hogsback Lake, a haunting reminder of how vast and unforgiving the wilderness could be. Helicopters hovered above, scanning the earth from the skies, their blades cutting through the silence in search of a sign, while divers plunged into the murky depths of nearby lakes, hoping to find something, anything. Yet, despite the exhaustive searches, nothing tangible surfaced, and Madison’s absence felt as though it had become part of the land itself—swallowed up by the earth, with no trace left behind.

In those early days, the sense of urgency was overwhelming. The sun rose each day, casting a dim light over the growing uncertainty, and yet, Madison remained missing, her sudden disappearance defying all logic. The RCMP had no choice but to consider the possibility that this wasn’t just a case of a young woman lost in the woods. The way she had vanished, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance—it all pointed to something much darker. The authorities quickly ruled Madison’s disappearance as suspicious, a grim realization that things weren’t as simple as they initially appeared. Her family was left to grapple with this new reality, the helplessness gnawing at them, while they struggled to come to terms with the harshness of the unknown.

The air grew thick with the weight of this new uncertainty, as the search for Madison transitioned from a hopeful mission into an all-consuming quest for answers. Her parents, Eldon and Dawn Scott, were unwavering in their determination, even as the weight of their fear and grief threatened to collapse them. The RCMP’s search efforts were relentless, but it was the Scotts’ unwavering resolve to find their daughter that spurred the community into action. As the search parties expanded their efforts—scouring the woods, the waters, and every area Madison could have possibly been—the people of Vanderhoof, her friends, and neighbors rallied around the family, offering their support in any way they could.

Still, with each passing day, the uncertainty deepened. Madison’s absence was felt not just by her parents but by everyone who knew her. She wasn’t the type to simply vanish without a trace. Her absence raised more questions than answers, and the frustration mounted. How could someone as vibrant, as loved as Madison, simply disappear? Her friends and family began to realize that finding her wasn’t going to be as simple as a few searches through the woods. This wasn’t just a missing person’s case—it was something much more sinister. Something that would require not only the efforts of the RCMP and volunteers but the combined strength of an entire community determined to uncover the truth.

As the search continued, the media took notice, and soon, the eyes of the nation were on Vanderhoof. Madison Scott’s case became a focal point for everyone seeking justice for the young woman who had been ripped from her family and friends, without warning or explanation. Billboards went up, displaying Madison’s image and a call for anyone with information to come forward. A reward of $100,000 was offered, and the community rallied behind this call, organizing events to raise awareness, to keep the search for Madison alive. It was clear that everyone wanted answers, but the more time passed, the more elusive they became.

The deeper the investigation dug, the more unsettling the possibilities became. What if Madison hadn’t wandered off into the wilderness? What if there was someone, somewhere, who knew exactly what happened to her? The silence of the woods echoed louder with every passing day. The fact that the search continued without closure spoke volumes: someone had taken Madison, and the mystery of her disappearance had only deepened. What could possibly have happened to this young woman who was known for her vivacious spirit, her love for adventure, and her unshakable bond with her family?

For the Scott family, the passage of time only seemed to deepen the ache of Madison’s absence. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months, and eventually, years. The uncertainty of not knowing what had happened to their daughter was a constant, gnawing presence in their lives. But despite the passage of time, they never gave up. They knew that Madison’s case couldn’t be allowed to fade into the background, forgotten like so many others. It was a promise they made to themselves—and to her—that they would keep searching for answers, no matter how long it took.

Every year, on the anniversary of Madison’s disappearance, the Scott family has hosted the “Poker Run” at Hogsback Lake. The event has become a tradition, a symbol of hope that refuses to be extinguished. It’s more than just a community ride—it’s a tribute, a calling, and an opportunity to continue the search. Participants travel by foot, ATV, dirt bike, or horseback, moving through the very terrain where Madison was last seen, combing through forests, fields, and lakes, hoping to uncover any clue, no matter how small, that might lead to her. Each year, the Poker Run brings together a community of people bound by a single purpose: to keep Madison’s memory alive and to keep the search for her going strong.

While the ride itself is a show of solidarity, the Poker Run also offers something more tangible: prizes for anyone who finds evidence that could help locate Madison. The Scott family continues to offer the $100,000 reward for any information that leads to locating their daughter, a commitment that has never wavered. Over the years, the Poker Run has become more than just an event—it has become a rallying point for those who refuse to let Madison’s disappearance fade into the shadows. It serves as a reminder that her case is not just another cold file—it is an ongoing search for justice, for closure, for answers.

Along with the Poker Run, the Scott family has worked tirelessly to ensure Madison’s face remains in the public eye. Posters and billboards are strategically placed, each one a call for help, a plea for anyone with information to come forward. But despite these relentless efforts, the answers they so desperately seek remain elusive. Each year, as Madison’s family and community gather for the Poker Run, the same haunting question lingers in the air: what happened to Madison Scott?

Months after Madison's disappearance, another unsettling case began to make waves in Vanderhoof. A man named Fribjon Bjornson also went missing, and his case would soon capture the public’s attention in a way no one could have anticipated. Fribjon's severed head was discovered in a vacant house on a reserve near Fort St. James, but the rest of his body was never found. Authorities quickly released details that painted a grisly picture: Fribjon had been brutally beaten to death in the basement of the house, likely by a group of twenty people. The brutality of the crime left the community shaken, uncertain of what was happening behind the closed doors of their seemingly quiet town.

At first, there didn’t seem to be any connection between Fribjon's death and Madison’s disappearance. However, as more details surfaced, rumors began to spread. Whispers in the community suggested that Fribjon and Madison had been romantically involved. This idea was quickly shut down by her parents, who had never known of any relationship between the two. While Madison and Fribjon had played on the same baseball team and shared some of the same social circles, her parents were adamant that they had never dated.

The police investigation into Fribjon’s death pointed to his known involvement with criminals, particularly drug dealers. Authorities suggested that his death was likely related to his ties to the criminal underworld, a far cry from the life Madison had led. But despite these conclusions, the rumors persisted. Yet,there was no solid connection between the two cases. For the Scott family, this new layer of complexity only added to the confusion surrounding Madison’s case. The rumors, the questions—everything felt like a web of uncertainty that seemed to have no clear answers. The possibility that someone in the community knew more than they were letting on loomed large.

As the years passed without answers, the mystery of Madison Scott’s disappearance grew more complicated, giving rise to numerous theories, each one offering a different possibility for what might have happened that night. Her family, still searching for closure, has heard them all—each theory more chilling than the last. While some bring hope, others add layers of confusion and fear. But no matter how many questions swirl, one thing remains certain: the search for Madison is far from over.

Theory One: Voluntary Disappearance or Suicide

One of the theories that surfaced early on was the idea that Madison had left of her own accord. She was a young woman with a full life—close family ties, a busy social schedule, and a zest for adventure. Some wondered if she had decided to disappear voluntarily, perhaps driven by some deep, unspoken struggle.

But this theory has always been met with skepticism. Madison’s mother, Dawn Scott, has been clear—her daughter was the type to share her problems, and there were no signs of depression or mental illness leading up to her disappearance. She was communicating with her family the night she vanished. And while it’s suggested that Madison’s retreat to her tent might have been a sign of distress after being turned down by someone she had a crush on, most close to her believe this wouldn’t have been enough to cause her to leave everything behind. With no purse, no money, and no clear plan, the idea that she would have simply walked away doesn’t align with what those who knew her believed.

Theory Two: The Party Conspiracy and Drug Overdose

Another theory that gained traction was that Madison had an adverse reaction to drugs at the party. Though no evidence has ever been found to suggest that Madison was involved with drugs, rumors swirled that substances were present that night. Some speculate that Madison may have taken something from another guest, only to feel unwell and retreat to her tent to sleep it off.

In this version of events, things took a tragic turn. It’s believed that when Madison didn’t wake up, those who remained at the party panicked. Afraid of the consequences, they allegedly decided not to call 9-1-1 and instead conspired to cover up what happened, disposing of Madison’s body and staging a disappearance to protect themselves. But for this theory to be true, several people would have had to lie and maintain a secret for over a decade. And that’s a difficult thing to do. How could so many people have stayed silent for so long?

Theory Three: An Accidental Death

Some believe that Madison’s disappearance was the result of an accident. Could she have simply wandered away from the campsite, gotten lost, or met with some other misfortune? The search that followed was extensive, but despite the best efforts of authorities, no trace of her was ever found.

If Madison had left her tent to go to the outhouse or for another simple errand, it seems unlikely that she would have gotten lost. The outhouse was just 50 feet away, and if she had gone farther, her truck would have likely played a key role in her disappearance. There was no sign of animal activity in the area, despite reports of a cougar in the region, and no signs of a struggle. Did she go for a hike, or did something happen to her before she could make it very far? With no camera or phone use recorded after midnight, this theory leaves more questions than answers.

Theory Four: Foul Play by Someone She Knew

Police initially considered the possibility that Madison had left the campsite in a vehicle with someone she knew. After all, her phone and keys were left behind, and her truck remained at the scene. However, witnesses reported seeing her in her tent when the last people left the party, and there was no phone activity between 12:30 AM and 8 AM.

One name that came up in connection to Madison was Fribjon Bjornson, a man she knew from her social circle. He allegedly told friends he knew what happened to her after she vanished. Rumors surrounding Fribjon’s possible involvement grew, especially given his ties to known criminals. But after passing a lie detector test, he was cleared by police, and the theory surrounding him fizzled out—until tragedy struck again. Several weeks later, Fribjon’s severed head was discovered in an abandoned house, but the police determined his death was unrelated to Madison’s case. Still, the eerie coincidence of two young people disappearing within months of each other left the community questioning if there was more to the story than meets the eye.

Theory Five: Foul Play by an Unknown Individual

The most chilling theory of all is that Madison was abducted by someone she didn’t know. Vanderhoof, where Madison’s disappearance occurred, lies along Canada’s “Highway of Tears,” a stretch of road known for the disappearances of women. While there is no evidence to suggest Madison’s case is connected to this disturbing pattern, some believe she could have been targeted by a stranger passing through the area.

In this theory, an unknown individual arrives at the campsite after the party’s conclusion, perhaps hoping to find more revelers or simply taking advantage of the secluded location. The theory suggests that this person tried to engage with Madison, and when she rejected their advances, things turned violent. A struggle ensued, and Madison, trying to escape, grabbed her keys and phone and prepared to flee, possibly planning to drive away or call 9-1-1. But the assailant, armed with a weapon, forced her into a vehicle and took her to a second location, leaving no trace behind. Stranger abductions are rare, but this theory remains one of the most unsettling.

[The sound of the fire crackling grows louder, and a deep silence follows]

Each of these theories offers a different glimpse into what might have happened to Madison Scott that night, but none provide the clarity her family so desperately needs. The unanswered questions, the what-ifs, the chilling possibilities—each theory left behind a lingering shadow, and as the years passed, the hope for resolution began to feel like a distant dream. For the Scott family, it was a painful, ongoing journey of uncertainty.

But even in the face of this relentless unknown, they never stopped searching. After twelve long years of keeping Madison’s name in the public’s mind, of fighting for justice, and of holding on to hope that someday they would find the answers they so desperately sought, the truth finally emerged. Yet, it wasn’t the resolution they had dreamed of. On May 29, 2023, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed what had always been their greatest fear: Madison Scott’s remains had been found. The discovery, made on a rural property on the east side of Vanderhoof, marked the end of the physical search—but it didn’t bring the peace they had longed for. Instead, it marked the beginning of an even more painful chapter, as the emotional torment they had endured for over a decade was now met with an undeniable reality. The truth had come, but it was far more heartbreaking than they ever could have imagined.

The RCMP had executed a search warrant on the property, and with the discovery of Madison’s remains, they could finally bring some clarity to the case. The news reverberated through the community, a somber moment that marked both a painful chapter’s conclusion and the haunting beginning of another. The Scott family was immediately informed, but in the midst of their grief, they made one request: privacy. This wasn’t just the end of a search—it was the painful realization that their daughter’s life had been taken, and the rawness of that knowledge was something only they could bear.

“This has been a priority investigation for the RCMP over the past 12 years,” said RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, her voice heavy with the weight of so many unanswered questions. “The discovery of Maddy is a significant development; however, this investigation remains an active and ongoing missing person’s investigation where foul play has not been ruled out.”

The words hung in the air like a chill. The answers they had so longed for had finally come, but they only led to more uncertainty. How had Madison ended up there? Who was responsible for taking her life? And why had it taken so long for the truth to come to light?

As investigators continued their search, it became clear that the mystery surrounding Madison’s disappearance was far from over. The case was still open, and no charges had been filed at the time. The RCMP appealed to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. The haunting possibility that there were people who knew more, yet remained silent, lingered in the background.

Madison would have been 32 this year—a thought that pierced the hearts of those who knew her best. In 2022, the RCMP had released a heartfelt tribute to her: “Madison was a vibrant, free-spirited, loyal, and kind individual. When not hard at work at her parents’ family business, Madison immersed herself in family, friends, hockey, softball, and photography.” She had been the type of person who lit up a room, who had a smile that could brighten even the darkest days. She was the sister, the daughter, the friend who was always there—someone whose loss left an unfillable hole in the hearts of everyone she touched.

The discovery was a bitter step toward the truth, but even in the sorrow of it, there was a quiet hope—hope that the answers would eventually come. Vanderhoof’s Mayor, Kevin Moutray, reflected on the community’s grief: “Everybody knew Madison as a sister, a daughter, a friend… somebody knew her in some way, and you have all that connection,” he said. His words were simple but profound: "Her disappearance shocked the community, and this discovery will no doubt bring some solace to the Scott family—but it is the answers, the truth, that we all hope for."

The mayor's hope mirrored that of the Scott family: that, with time, they could finally piece together the full story of what had happened to Madison, and that the discovery of her remains would, in some small way, bring them peace. But no one could truly say that it would.

In their own statement, the Scott family expressed their grief and gratitude. “As a family, we now have the opportunity to allow Maddy to rest. We trust that with patience, persistence, and belief, we will receive answers and remain motivated to achieve closure.” The words were both a reflection of their pain and a reminder of the strength that had carried them through the years. They had not given up on Madison, even when the world seemed to forget her. And now, as they stood on the precipice of an unimaginable reality, they were determined to press on—because the search for answers, and for justice, was far from over.

Outro: "And that brings us to the end of another unsettling tale. As always, thank you for listening to Murder By Nature. If you’ve enjoyed tonight’s episode, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening from—and be sure to return this Thursday for a brand new story that will keep you up at night.

Until then, I’m Jazmin Ramirez, reminding you to stay vigilant. Stay safe, and remember… don’t get murdered, and for the love of all things dark, don’t become the murderer. You’ve been warned, you beautiful, haunted souls.