SparkCast Episode
The SparkCast episode is not just a reading of the article below; it’s a lively discussion based on the topic of the article, so you don’t want to miss it!
Have You Ever Felt a Little Lost?
Have you ever been on a long drive, the kind where the miles blur together and your mind starts to wander? It’s a common feeling. But what happens when that feeling of being lost becomes something more? What happens when the road leads to nowhere? In the early morning hours of August 30, 2013, a 19-year-old college student named Bryce Laspisa was on that kind of drive. And somewhere along a dark stretch of California highway, he vanished. The mystery of the disappearance of Bryce Laspisa is not just a baffling cold case; it’s a heart-wrenching story that forces us to think about the roads we all travel, both literally and emotionally.
The Drive Begins
Bryce Laspisa was a sophomore at Sierra College, a bright, well-liked kid with a passion for graphic design. On August 28, he began what should have been a straightforward drive from his apartment near campus to his parents’ home in Laguna Niguel, about 7 hours away. But he didn’t go straight home. The timeline of the next 48 hours is a confusing puzzle pieced together from gas station receipts, cell phone pings, and a series of strange calls to his parents. He was driving, but he wasn’t making progress. At one point, he called his mom to say he was pulling over to sleep because he was too tired, yet hours later, cell records showed he hadn’t moved.
A String of Strange Encounters
The hours leading up to his disappearance were marked by odd behavior. He called his parents multiple times, sometimes sounding fine, other times distracted or incoherent. He told a friend he had something important to talk to him about. He gave away a pair of diamond earrings his mom had given him. He called for roadside assistance after running out of gas, even though his parents had just used their own roadside service to bring him fuel a few hours earlier. The roadside technician who saw him last, around 2 AM, said he seemed “out of it,” but not intoxicated. Bryce’s last confirmed conversation was with his mom at 2:09 AM, where he promised he was just 15 minutes away from a rest stop where he would sleep. He never made it.
The Crash Scene
At 5:30 AM, Bryce’s 2003 Toyota Highlander was found on its side at the bottom of a 15-foot embankment near Castaic Lake, just off the main highway. His wallet, laptop, and cell phone were still inside the car. But Bryce was gone. The rear window had been shattered, possibly for him to climb out. An extensive search of the rugged terrain and the lake began immediately, involving helicopters, dive teams, and search dogs. They found nothing. No footprints. No scent trail. No Bryce.
Theories and Heartbreak
So what happened? Did Bryce, disoriented and possibly suffering a mental health crisis, wander off into the wilderness? Did he intentionally disappear to start a new life? Or did he meet with foul play? Some speculate he may have been under the influence of a substance, though his friends insisted he wasn’t a heavy partier. The behavior—giving away possessions, the strange calls—could point to a psychological break. The area where his car was found is remote, and it’s possible he succumbed to the elements. But with no body ever found, his family and investigators are left with only questions.
A Spark of Encouragement from a Dark Story
It’s easy to get lost in the darkness of a story like this. It’s terrifying because it’s real. But within this tragedy, there is a powerful call to action, an inspiration to be better for each other. Bryce’s story is a stark reminder that the people we love might be on a difficult road, even when they seem fine. It’s a reminder to check in, to ask the hard questions, to listen not just to the words but to the silence in between. It encourages us to create a world where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay. I feel lost.” Overcoming our own challenges often starts by helping someone else through theirs.
The Unending Search
For over a decade, Bryce Laspisa’s parents have held onto hope. They continue to raise awareness, hoping for a tip, a sighting, a clue that will finally tell them what happened to their son. The case remains open, a painful, lingering question mark. It’s a story that challenges us to be vigilant, to be compassionate, and to never give up on the ones who have lost their way.
Final Thoughts
This story is a powerful reminder to reach out. Without sharing any private details, what is one way you can check in on a friend or family member this week, just to let them know you’re there and the road doesn’t have to be traveled alone? Share your ideas for connection in the comments.
Discussion Questions
- Bryce’s friends and family were shocked by his disappearance, suggesting he may have been hiding his struggles. Why do you think people, especially young people, often feel pressured to hide their mental health challenges?
- In the age of social media, where everyone curates a “perfect” life, how can we foster more genuine and honest conversations about our struggles?
- If you were a friend of Bryce’s in those final days, what signs might have alerted you that something was wrong, and what could you have done?
Speaking Challenge
This is a challenge about offering support. Imagine your friend has been acting distant and unlike themselves lately. Take one to two minutes to script out a voicemail you would leave them, expressing your concern and offering help without being judgmental.
- Hint 1: Start with a warm, casual opening. “Hey, it’s me. I was just thinking about you and wanted to see how you’re doing.”
- Hint 2: Gently state your observation without accusation. “It seems like you’ve been a bit quiet lately, and I just wanted to make sure everything’s okay.”
- Hint 3: Offer specific, unconditional support. “No pressure to talk, but please know I’m here for you if you need anything at all—a chat, a distraction, anything. Just call me back when you get a chance.”
The goal is to practice expressing empathy and creating a safe space for someone to open up.
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