Search continues for missing Sudbury city councillor

Missing politician in Ont. found dead: police Police in Ontario have confirmed the remains of Sudbury Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini were found on Tuesday.

Sudbury police are looking for Ward 2 city councillor Michael Vagnini who was reported missing Saturday.

They are asking for the public’s help in locating the missing 62-year-old man saying there is concern for his wellbeing.

"The missing male requires medications but has none with him," said Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) in a news release Sunday.

"As a result, he may appear confused or disoriented."

In an update shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, police said they have continued the search throughout the day and he has not yet been found.

"Officers have been and continue to extensively search the Walden, Lively, Naughton and Whitefish areas," said police.

"However, there have not been any confirmed sightings of Michael or the vehicle."

Police said since Vagnini is believed to have been driving his truck at the time he went missing and was likely mobile for quite some time before the incident was reported to police, he could be anywhere in the area.

"We are asking the entire community of Greater Sudbury to be on the look out for the vehicle in parking lots across the city and for residents and business owners to check all outbuildings on your property," said the GSPS.

"Please be vigilant in looking for a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck - Ontario license plate BK22 178 as he is believed to be with the vehicle."

Police provided photos of the missing vehicle we the update Monday afternoon.

Police searched for Vagnini throughout the day on Sunday focusing their efforts on the McCharles Lake Road area, between Lively and Whitefish.

A drone was deployed on Monday to search for the truck and to see if any heat could be picked up by a thermal imaging camera.

Vagnini is described as a white male, 5-feet-11-inches tall, 260 pounds with brown eyes, short black hair and an unshaven face.

"(He was) last seen wearing a bright yellow hooded sweater, green pants and black running shoes," police said.

"The male was driving a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck - Ontario license plate BK22 178."

Police said he was last seen in the area of Regional Road 55 and McCharles Lake Road, east of the Greater Sudbury community of Whitefish.

Police are unaware of his intended destination and his whereabouts remain unknown on Monday morning.

On Saturday, Vagnini was seen at a demonstration on Paris Street near Bell Park in the outfit police described above.

The outgoing voicemail for the phone number listed for Vagnini on the city's website states "he is currently unavailable and is on disability due to some recent health issues" and directs callers to contact 3-1-1 for assistance with city matters.

Statement from the city

On Sunday afternoon, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre released a statement expressing his office and the city’s concern for the missing councillor.

"We are all extremely worried by the news that councillor Michael Vagnini is missing and there are concerns for his health and well-being," the statement reads in part.

"These type of situations are very challenging and we all want to see a good outcome."

Lefebvre expressed his confidence in police and their efforts.

“I know the Greater Sudbury Police Service is taking every action to locate him,” he said.

“I thank them for their diligence and focus on this matter.”

Lefebvre said he and all of city council hope Vagnini is found quickly and in good health.

Public assistance requested

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Vagnini or his vehicle is asked to contact the GSPS at 705-675-9171 quoting incident number SU24 006569.