Family continues search for Michael Scandiffio, missing since last October

Tashi Farmilo

As autumn leaves descend upon Ladysmith, one family is reminded of the lingering pain and uncertainty surrounding the disappearance of their loved one, Michael Scandiffio, who has been missing since October 1, 2022. He was last seen around 8:00 pm, believed to be travelling to the Otter Lake area. For the family, this period marks a painful anniversary punctuated by the ongoing Oktoberfest Ladysmith celebration, the last place Scandiffio was seen.

Kelly Steele, Michael Scandiffio’s sister-in-law, reached out via the Aylmer community group, expressing the family’s enduring pain and hope: “My brother-in-law is still missing from last year at Oktoberfest Ladysmith. This is a tough weekend for our family. Please continue sharing the information of his disappearance. Hunting season is here, and we ask that everyone keep an eye open in the bush. Thank you for all your support and kindness.”

Scandiffio, at the time of his disappearance, was reported to be driving a black 2017 Ford Escape with an Ontario License plate BNXP701. Despite extensive efforts by local law enforcement, including door-to-door inquiries and aerial searches conducted by Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and MRC de Pontiac using an SQ helicopter, he remains missing.

Michael is described as a 5’11” individual, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a red shirt, and a red Raptors cap.

Authorities continue to solicit information from the public regarding Scandiffio’s whereabouts and any details that may shed light on the circumstances leading to his disappearance. Members of the public who may have pertinent information are urged to come forward and can confidentially provide details to the police by contacting SQ’s Criminal Information Centre at 1-800-659-4264.

The family remains hopeful that continued community support and sharing of information will aid in resolving the case and bringing Michael back, or at least providing some form of closure to his loved ones. They are particularly urging those who are out in the bush for the hunting season to be vigilant and to report any signs of Michael or his vehicle.

Photo 1 caption: Michael Scandiffio, missing since October 1, 2022, was last seen in Ladysmith during the Oktoberfest celebrations. The family continues their relentless search, hoping for clues or information that could lead to his whereabouts. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Kelly Steele.