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Introduction

The disappearance of Bryce Laspisa is one of the most puzzling missing person cases in recent history. In August 2013, the 19-year-old college student vanished under bizarre circumstances while driving from his school in Northern California toward his parents’ home in Southern California. Despite extensive search efforts and public interest, Bryce has never been found, and the events leading up to his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery. This article explores the timeline of Bryce’s last known movements, the theories surrounding his disappearance, and the haunting questions that remain unanswered.

Who Was Bryce Laspisa?

Bryce David Laspisa was born on April 30, 1994, to Karen and Michael Laspisa. He grew up in Illinois before his family relocated to California after his high school graduation. Known as an outgoing and well-liked young man, Bryce excelled academically and socially. In 2012, he enrolled at Sierra College in Rocklin, California, where he was studying graphic and industrial design.

By all accounts, Bryce’s life seemed to be on a promising trajectory. He had a close group of friends, a supportive family, and a steady girlfriend named Kim Sly, who lived near his college. However, in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, there were subtle but significant changes in Bryce’s behavior that left those close to him concerned.

A Sudden Shift in Behavior

In the days before Bryce’s disappearance, his friends and family noticed troubling changes. According to reports, Bryce had started using alcohol and prescription drugs, particularly Vyvanse, a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Although Bryce did not have ADHD, he allegedly began using the drug recreationally, and its effects on his mood and mental state became evident.

Bryce’s friends noted that he was acting erratically and seemed more withdrawn than usual. His girlfriend, Kim, also noticed changes and grew increasingly worried. On August 27, 2013, Bryce visited Kim at her apartment and broke up with her abruptly, telling her she would be better off without him. Concerned, Kim contacted Bryce’s mother, Karen, who assured her that Bryce was likely just going through a rough patch and would be fine.

However, as the hours passed, Bryce’s behavior became even more erratic, and his actions that night would later raise numerous questions about what he was going through mentally and emotionally.

The Timeline of Bryce Laspisa’s Disappearance

The final known hours of Bryce Laspisa’s life present a bewildering timeline, filled with bizarre decisions and inexplicable delays.

August 28, 2013

• 11:30 PM: Bryce leaves his girlfriend Kim’s apartment in Chico, California, after their breakup. He tells Kim that he is driving back to his apartment in Rocklin.
• 1:00 AM: Instead of returning home, Bryce drives south toward his parents’ home in Laguna Niguel, California, approximately 450 miles away. For reasons unknown, Bryce pulls off the highway near the town of Buttonwillow, a small desert community located over 350 miles from his college and still far from his parents’ home.
• 9:00 AM: The next morning, Bryce’s parents receive an alarming call from their insurance company, informing them that Bryce had used their roadside assistance service to have his car’s fuel tank refilled in Buttonwillow. They contact Bryce and ask him what he’s doing, but he offers no clear explanation.

August 29, 2013

• 11:00 AM: Bryce remains in Buttonwillow for hours, sitting in his car without any clear purpose. Concerned, his parents ask him to come home, and a local resident checks on him at their request. The resident reports that Bryce seems fine and offers to follow him onto the highway to ensure he’s on his way home.
• 1:00 PM: Despite assurances that he is headed toward Laguna Niguel, Bryce does not make progress on the drive. His parents remain in contact with him, but his location shows that he has only moved a few miles.
• 3:00 PM: Bryce’s parents, growing increasingly worried, ask him to stop at a nearby hotel and rest. He agrees but never checks into the hotel.

August 30, 2013

• 2:00 AM: Bryce’s car is spotted by a California Highway Patrol officer near Castaic Lake, located about 90 miles from his parents’ home. The officer checks on Bryce and confirms that he is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, though his behavior appears unusual. Bryce tells the officer that he is heading to his parents’ home.
• 5:30 AM: Bryce’s car is found abandoned near Castaic Lake. The car had crashed down a ravine, but there was no sign of Bryce. His cellphone, wallet, and laptop were found in the vehicle, but Bryce was gone. Despite an extensive search of the area, including the lake and surrounding wilderness, there was no trace of him.

The Search and Theories

After Bryce’s car was discovered, search teams combed the area around Castaic Lake for weeks, including the use of helicopters, tracking dogs, and dive teams. Authorities searched both the lake and the surrounding hills, hoping to find some sign of Bryce, but nothing conclusive was ever uncovered.

Theory 1: Bryce May Have Suffered a Mental Breakdown

One widely considered theory is that Bryce experienced a mental breakdown in the days leading up to his disappearance. His sudden changes in behavior, the use of Vyvanse (which can cause anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia when misused), and his erratic decision-making suggest that Bryce was not in a clear state of mind. Some have speculated that Bryce may have suffered from a psychotic episode or severe depression, which led him to walk away from his car and disappear voluntarily.

Theory 2: Bryce May Have Attempted Suicide

Another theory posits that Bryce may have been contemplating suicide. His breakup with Kim, combined with his concerning behavior and his cryptic messages to his parents and friends, suggest he may have been struggling with feelings of hopelessness. The crash of his car down the ravine has been interpreted by some as a possible suicide attempt, though the absence of his body has left this theory unresolved.

Theory 3: Foul Play Involvement

While less likely than other theories, some have speculated that Bryce may have encountered foul play after his car crash. The area around Castaic Lake is known for its rough terrain, and some believe that Bryce could have been picked up by a stranger or met with harm in the wilderness. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.

Theory 4: Bryce May Have Chosen to Start a New Life

Some believe that Bryce may have chosen to walk away from his life and start anew. His bizarre actions, including his cryptic phone calls and unexplained hours spent sitting in his car, have led some to speculate that he may have been planning his disappearance. If Bryce was struggling with personal issues or felt overwhelmed by the expectations around him, it is possible that he chose to disappear voluntarily.

Unanswered Questions

Despite the extensive investigation and widespread media attention, Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance remains unsolved. There are numerous unanswered questions that continue to haunt those who have followed his case.

• Why did Bryce sit in his car for hours at Buttonwillow instead of driving home?
• What caused him to crash his car at Castaic Lake?
• Did he walk away from the scene of the crash voluntarily, or was he taken by someone else?
• Why were all of his belongings left behind in the car?

Conclusion

The disappearance of Bryce Laspisa is a chilling reminder of how quickly someone’s life can change without warning. His family and friends continue to search for answers, holding onto hope that one day Bryce will be found. While various theories attempt to explain what happened to him, the truth remains elusive, leaving those closest to him with the agonizing mystery of what really happened that night. Until new evidence emerges, the fate of Bryce Laspisa will remain one of the most baffling unsolved cases in recent memory.