It has been more than ten years since Bryce Laspisa mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind countless questions and heartache for his family, friends, and the investigators who continue to search for answers. On August 30, 2013, the then-19-year-old college student vanished under puzzling circumstances near Castaic Lake, California. Despite an extensive investigation, numerous searches, and the hopes of his loved ones, Bryce remains missing to this day. As we reach the ten-year mark of his disappearance, we reflect on the events leading up to that fateful night, the ongoing investigation, and the unanswered questions that still haunt this case.
The Events Leading to Bryce Laspisa’s Disappearance
Bryce Laspisa, a Sierra College in Rocklin, California student, was known for his artistic talent, friendly nature, and close relationship with his family. However, in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, those close to him noticed troubling changes in his behavior. According to his friends and family, Bryce had been acting erratically, withdrawing from social activities and consuming an unusual amount of alcohol. He had also reportedly taken an interest in an ADHD medication called Vyvanse, which can have serious side effects when abused.
On August 28, 2013, just days before the new semester began, Bryce broke up with his girlfriend, Kim Sly, seemingly without explanation. That same evening, his behavior became increasingly erratic, leading Kim to take his car keys away to prevent him from driving. Concerned for his well-being, Kim contacted Bryce’s mother, Karen Laspisa, who encouraged her son to return home to Laguna Niguel, Orange County city about 450 miles from Sierra College.
Despite Kim’s protests, Bryce insisted on leaving and persuaded her to return his keys. A baffling 24-hour journey perplexed Bryce’s family, friends, and law enforcement officers.
The Final Known Movements of Bryce Laspisa
After leaving Kim’s apartment, Bryce drove south toward his parents’ home. Along the way, he made several unusual stops. Bryce called his mother around 1 a.m. on August 29 to assure her that he was coming home, but instead of heading straight there, he spent hours idling on the side of the road. At one point, he stopped in Buttonwillow, a small town just west of Bakersfield, where a roadside assistance worker, Christian, helped him after Bryce had run out of gas.
The roadside assistance worker later recounted how Bryce had appeared calm and polite but unusually determined to sit in his car for several hours without continuing his journey. His mother spoke with him and became increasingly concerned as Bryce remained in Buttonwillow for nearly nine hours. Worried that something was wrong, Bryce’s parents urged him to come home, but he kept delaying.
At around 2 a.m. on August 30, Bryce called his mother again and said he was on Interstate 5, but his exact location was unclear. Karen instructed him to call her when he got closer to home. That would be the last time anyone heard from Bryce Laspisa. Later that morning, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Bryce’s 2003 Toyota Highlander was discovered crashed and abandoned near Castaic Lake.
The Discovery of Bryce’s Vehicle
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Bryce’s car overturned at the bottom of a 15-foot embankment off Main Ramp Road. Inside the vehicle were his cell phone, wallet, laptop, and a duffel bag containing his clothes—everything except Bryce himself. The back window of the car had been shattered from the inside, suggesting that Bryce had broken it to escape the vehicle after the crash.
Despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, including ground searches with dogs and aerial surveillance, there was no sign of Bryce. The terrain around Castaic Lake is rugged and difficult to navigate, but after days of searching, investigators found no evidence to suggest where Bryce might have gone or what might have happened to him. His sudden disappearance baffles law enforcement, and no solid leads have emerged.
Theories and Speculation Surrounding Bryce Laspisa’s Disappearance
As with many missing persons cases, several theories have emerged regarding what might have happened to Bryce. Some believe that Bryce may have suffered from a mental health crisis, leading him to voluntarily disappear or, worse, take his own life. The erratic behavior he exhibited in the days leading up to his disappearance—coupled with his increasing use of alcohol and drugs—has led many to speculate that Bryce may have been experiencing a psychotic episode or the side effects of substance abuse. His decision to break up with his girlfriend, reluctance to return home, and bizarre detours seem to point to a troubled mind.
However, others believe foul play may have been involved. The fact that Bryce’s belongings were left in the car, along with the seemingly intentional manner in which he broke out of the vehicle, raises questions about whether someone else may have been involved in his disappearance. Investigators have repeatedly stated that they found no signs of foul play at the crash site, but the lack of any concrete evidence has done little to quell these suspicions.
There is also the possibility that Bryce, disoriented and confused after the crash, may have wandered into the surrounding wilderness and succumbed to the elements. Castaic Lake is located in a remote, mountainous area, and the terrain can be treacherous, especially for someone unfamiliar with it. Despite extensive searches of the area, it’s possible that Bryce’s remains were missed or that he traveled farther than investigators initially suspected.
The Ongoing Search for Bryce Laspisa
In the years since Bryce’s disappearance, his family has remained steadfast in their search for answers. They have worked tirelessly to keep Bryce’s case in the public eye, maintaining a Facebook page dedicated to finding him and working closely with law enforcement and private investigators. Periodically, new tips and possible sightings of Bryce have surfaced, but none have led to his discovery.
One of the more notable developments occurred in 2022, when a man resembling Bryce was spotted in Missoula, Montana. A photograph of the man riding a bicycle was circulated on social media, sparking renewed hope that Bryce had been found. However, after investigators tracked the man down, they confirmed that he was not Bryce, again dashing his family’s hopes.
Despite the years that have passed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate Bryce’s case. Detectives regularly review the case file and follow up on any new leads that come their way. However, Bryce’s disappearance remains a mystery without new evidence or information.
Hope Amidst the Silence
For Bryce’s family, the pain of his absence is ever-present. They continue to share memories of Bryce, reminiscing about the joyful times they spent together and holding onto the hope that one day they will find him. To bring renewed attention to Bryce’s case, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) released an age-progressed image of Bryce in 2023, showing what he might look like at 29 years old.
A decade has passed, and Bryce’s parents, Karen and Michael Laspisa remain committed to finding their son. They acknowledge their challenges but refuse to give up hope, believing that Bryce is still out there. The search for answers continues for them and the many others following Bryce’s story.
FAQs
1. What happened to Bryce Laspisa?
Bryce Laspisa mysteriously disappeared on August 30, 2013, after crashing his car near Castaic Lake, California. Although his vehicle was overturned, Bryce was never located, and despite extensive searches and investigations, his whereabouts remain unknown.
2. Were there any signs of foul play in Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance?
Investigators found no signs of foul play at the scene of Bryce’s car crash. However, some speculate that his disappearance may have been the result of a mental health crisis, a voluntary disappearance, or an accident in the rugged terrain around Castaic Lake.
3. Have any recent developments in the search for Bryce Laspisa?
Over the years, various tips and possible sightings of Bryce have occurred, including a notable sighting in Montana in 2022, but none have led to his discovery. In 2023, an age-progressed image of Bryce was released, but no significant breakthroughs have occurred in the case.
Conclusion
The case of Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance is a tragic and perplexing mystery that has left his family and investigators searching for answers for over a decade. Despite countless efforts, no definitive evidence has been found to explain what happened to Bryce after he vanished from Castaic Lake in 2013. As time passes, the pain of his absence only deepens for those who knew and loved him. However, the hope for a resolution remains strong. As we reach the ten-year mark of Bryce’s disappearance, we can only hope that the silence surrounding his case will one day be broken and the questions that have haunted this case will finally be answered.
