The Mysterious Disappearance of Bryce Laspisa: A Case of Suspected Suicide or Escape?

The Promising College Sophomore

• 💡 Bryce Laspisa, a 19-year-old college sophomore, was described as a gifted artist with an infectious grin and a loving relationship with his parents and girlfriend, Kim.
• 🚀 He was pursuing a graphic arts program at Sierra College and seemed to have a bright future ahead of him.

Signs of Trouble Emerge

• ⚠️ Bryce's behavior changed drastically upon returning to college, with a significant increase in alcohol consumption and experimentation with the prescription stimulant Vyvanse.
• 😟 Friends and family noticed he was acting erratically, becoming anxious, skittish, and paranoid, which was out of character for him.
• 💔 He abruptly broke up with his devoted girlfriend, Kim, via text message, a move that deeply concerned his roommate, Shawn.

A Night of Confusion and Concern

• 📱 Shawn alerted Bryce's parents to his substance abuse and erratic behavior, prompting calls from both his roommate and girlfriend.
• 🚗 Bryce's parents, initially confused by conflicting information, agreed to fly out to see him but were told by Bryce he had things to discuss and didn't want them to come yet.
• 🔑 Bryce was given his car keys back by Kim and promised his mother he would call upon arriving at his apartment, which he did, stating he was going to bed.

The Car Found and the Investigation

• 🚨 The next morning, Bryce's parents were notified that his car had been found at the bottom of a 25-foot cliff near Castic Lake, with the back window kicked out from the inside.
• 🚗 Police concluded Bryce intentionally drove his car off the cliff, ruling it an attempted suicide, despite his parents' disbelief.
• 🔍 A massive search was conducted, including scent dogs that tracked Bryce's trail to a truck stop, suggesting he may have left the scene on foot.

Lingering Mysteries and Theories

• ❓ Bryce Laspisa remains missing, with no reported sightings or contact since August 30, 2013.
• 🧠 Theories range from successful suicide after escaping the crash, a severe head injury causing amnesia, or a deliberate decision to disappear and live off the grid.
• 💔 His parents continue to search for him, holding onto hope that he is alive and will one day be found, unable to believe he would intentionally cause them such pain.