The disappearance of Bryce Laspisa is one of the most haunting mysteries of the past decade. A young man full of potential, seemingly on the verge of a promising future, vanished under circumstances that still baffle investigators, family, and the public. His case has raised countless questions but has offered very few answers. Bryce’s story is filled with strange behaviors, cryptic last moments, and the heartache of a family still waiting for closure.

The Early Life of Bryce Laspisa

Bryce David Laspisa was born on April 30, 1994, in Springfield, Illinois. He was raised by his loving parents, Karen and Michael Laspisa, who provided a stable and nurturing home. In 2012, after graduating from high school, Bryce and his family moved to Laguna Niguel, California. It was here that Bryce enrolled at Sierra College, located in Rocklin, California, where he pursued a degree in graphic and industrial design.

Bryce was known to be a charismatic, friendly young man with a passion for art. He quickly made friends at college and began dating a fellow student named Kim Sly. Everything appeared to be going well for him. However, things took a dramatic turn during the summer of 2013, leading to his mysterious disappearance.

The Days Leading Up to the Disappearance

In the days before Bryce disappeared, those close to him noticed a drastic change in his behavior. Friends and family reported that he had become unusually erratic and agitated. His girlfriend, Kim, became particularly concerned when Bryce told her he wanted to “take a break” from their relationship—a move that seemed out of character given their previously close bond.

Further alarming was Bryce’s sudden and inexplicable abuse of prescription medication. He reportedly began taking Vyvanse, an ADHD medication, to stay awake for long periods, even though he had no prescription or history of ADHD. Vyvanse is a powerful stimulant, and abusing it can lead to mood swings, insomnia, and other psychological effects, which might explain his strange behavior.

Additionally, Bryce began drinking heavily, further concerning his friends. His roommate, Sean Dixon, noticed that Bryce’s behavior was spiraling and suggested that he talk to someone about what he was going through. On August 28, 2013, Bryce drove to Kim’s apartment in Chico, California, where she confronted him about his recent behaviors. She was so worried that she took his car keys, preventing him from driving.

That night, Bryce called his mother, Karen, to reassure her that everything was fine and that he wanted to return to his apartment in Rocklin. Karen, who lived several hours away, offered to fly up to help, but Bryce declined, insisting that he was fine. Kim eventually gave him his keys back, and Bryce left her apartment around 11:30 p.m., beginning a journey that would leave his family and friends with more questions than answers.

The Fateful Drive

After leaving Kim’s apartment, Bryce embarked on a bizarre 24-hour odyssey that would ultimately culminate in his disappearance. Instead of driving straight back to his college apartment, Bryce drove south toward the Castaic Lake area in Los Angeles County—far from where anyone expected him to be. This strange detour became the last known phase of his journey.

At around 1 a.m. on August 29, Bryce called his mother, Karen, again, telling her that he was going to pull over and rest. However, it would be nearly 9 a.m. when Bryce’s car was spotted by a concerned roadside assistance worker in Buttonwillow, California, a small town located several hours south of Chico. The worker noted that Bryce seemed out of sorts and had been sitting in his car on the side of the road for hours without moving.

At this point, Karen and Michael Laspisa, growing increasingly concerned, arranged for the worker to give Bryce some gas in case he needed it and urged him to continue driving home. Bryce did so, but his journey was far from over.

Throughout the day, Bryce made several more stops, including at a gas station and a convenience store, where he bought a drink. Surveillance footage captured him acting relatively normal, though he still seemed reluctant to complete his journey. At around 9 p.m. on August 29, Bryce was in contact with his mother again, who believed he was nearing their home. However, Bryce had only moved a short distance from Buttonwillow over the entire day.

The Crash at Castaic Lake

The last confirmed sighting of Bryce Laspisa came around 2 a.m. on August 30, when his car was found abandoned near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles. The car had tumbled down a steep embankment, landing on its side with significant damage. Inside the vehicle were Bryce’s belongings: his wallet, cellphone, and laptop—everything but Bryce himself.

There was no sign of foul play, but it was clear that Bryce had survived the crash, at least initially. Investigators found traces of his blood in the car, but not enough to suggest a life-threatening injury. There were no footprints, clothing, or personal items leading away from the scene, deepening the mystery of his sudden disappearance.

The Search for Bryce

A massive search effort was launched in the days and weeks following Bryce’s disappearance. Police, search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers combed through the rugged terrain around Castaic Lake, hoping to find any trace of Bryce. They scoured the shoreline, surrounding hills, and nearby trails. Helicopters and search dogs were also deployed, but despite their best efforts, no substantial clues were found.

One of the more unsettling theories is that Bryce may have suffered a form of mental breakdown. His erratic behavior in the days leading up to his disappearance, combined with his misuse of Vyvanse and alcohol, could have triggered a psychotic episode or a dissociative state. In such a condition, Bryce may have wandered off without a clear sense of where he was or what he was doing. Alternatively, some speculate that Bryce may have been injured and disoriented after the crash, leading him to inadvertently hide or succumb to the elements.

Theories and Speculation

The disappearance of Bryce Laspisa has sparked numerous theories. Some believe that he may have staged his own disappearance, perhaps as a means of escaping some internal struggle or life pressure that he hadn’t disclosed to anyone. Others argue that foul play could have been involved, though there’s little evidence to support this theory.

There’s also the possibility that Bryce simply walked away from his life in a dazed or confused state, either suffering from an injury or a psychological break. The rugged and dangerous terrain around Castaic Lake would have made it easy for someone in such a state to become lost or injured without ever being found.

One of the most chilling theories is that Bryce may have drowned in Castaic Lake. Despite extensive searches of the lake, it’s possible that his body could have sunk or become entangled in underwater debris, evading discovery. However, search teams used sonar equipment and divers, and no remains were found, leaving this theory unproven.

The Pain of Unanswered Questions

More than a decade after Bryce’s disappearance, his family still holds out hope that they will one day receive answers. The Laspisa family has worked tirelessly to keep Bryce’s case in the public eye, maintaining websites and social media pages dedicated to finding him. Despite the long passage of time, they have never given up the belief that Bryce may still be out there, alive and in need of help.

The case of Bryce Laspisa remains one of the most perplexing unsolved disappearances in recent memory. His mysterious behavior in the days leading up to his disappearance, combined with the unexplained crash and his sudden vanishing act, have left investigators stumped.

As his family continues to search for answers, the story of Bryce Laspisa serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a life can change, how fragile our grip on reality can be, and how painful the lack of closure can be for those left behind.