Search for Missing Teen at Castaic Lake Called Off

Bryce Laspisa, 19, went missing Aug. 30 after crashing his SUV near Castaic Lake

The search for a missing 19-year-old college student who crashed his SUV near Castaic Lake has been called off after his parents said Tuesday it has become that clear he left the area.

The parents of Bryce Laspisa posted the message to a Facebook page they've been using to coordinate search efforts since he went missing Aug. 30.

Detectives had yet to finish analyzing his cell phone and laptop computer, which were found at the scene of the crash. But after weeks of searching the rugged hills surrounding the lake, about 40 miles north of Los Angeles, the physical search of the area appeared to have been called off.

"All other search evidence results and investigative findings indicate Bryce left the recreation area," the post said. "He may be confused, troubled, or even embarrassed."

Authorities found Laspisa's crashed SUV near the lake on Aug. 30, but he was nowhere to be found.

During the search earlier this month, Laspisa's father's car was burglarized while he was out looking for his son. Sheriff's deputies arrested the suspected burglars after a brief chase.

Laspisa was described as white, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 160 pounds with red-orange hair.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

LeBron James scores 25, D'Angelo Russell ties Lakers 3-pointers record in 136-105 win over Hawks

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites, lighting up the sky in parts of SoCal

On Tuesday, the parents said they will keep putting up fliers in the area and check shelters, hospitals and places where Laspisa may have sought help.

"We still have hope that Bryce will be found," his parents wrote. "We love him and just want him home."

Contact Us