The family of Madison (Maddy) Scott has released a statement in the wake of the missing woman’s body being found on Sunday.

The timing of the discovery was almost inconceivable, as it came 12 years to the day after Scott went missing from a lake near Vanderhoof on May 29, 2011.

Her family said the emotions they’ve experienced since learning of the shocking development on Sunday can’t be summarized, but they once again find themselves astonished by the widespread support.

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“This support has been unwavering since day one, which we are forever grateful for, and truly believe that it is the reason that Maddy has been found,” the statement said. 

“As a family, we now have the opportunity to allow Maddy to rest although nothing has yet been planned. We trust that with patience, persistence and belief that we will receive answers, and remain motivated to achieve closure.”

The family encouraged anyone with information that may further the investigation into Maddy’s disappearance to bring it forward to the RCMP by calling the tipline (778-290-5291).

“We are extremely appreciative for the continued support but kindly ask for privacy through these times,” the family added.

The discovery of Maddy’s body on Sunday came on the solemn 12-year anniversary of her disappearance and just hours after police renewed an appeal for more information in the case.

The RCMP has not said whether that appeal resulted in a case-changing tip or if it was pure coincidence that her body was found on the day that it was.

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Maddy was just 20 years old when she vanished from Hogsback Lake near Vanderhoof between the hours of 3-8:30 am on May 28, 2011.

Described as vibrant, free-spirited, loyal and kind, Maddy was at the lake for a birthday party that had around 50 people in attendance.

She went to the party with her best friend, Jordi Bolduc, who left in the early hours of May 28 after a fight had broken out and offered Maddy a ride back to town.

Already comfortable in her sleeping bag, Maddy refused the ride and decided to spend the night, but when Bolduc returned at 8:30 am she couldn’t find her best friend anywhere.

It was another day before Maddy was officially declared missing and it sparked a widespread search that received plenty of attention around British Columbia.

Unfortunately, the search came up empty for a dozen years before Maddy’s body was finally found on a rural property on the east side of Vanderhoof on Sunday.