Greater Sudbury Police have confirmed that after an extensive search, missing Sudbury Ward 2 Councillor Michael Vagnini has been located deceased.
According to a news release, a resident in the area of Reserve Camp Road on Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation called police shortly before 2:30 PM Tuesday, February 13th after locating Vagnini’s black 2021 Ram 1500 truck on his property. His body was found a short distance away. It is unclear how long Vagnini was deceased before being found. The coroner’s office will now investigate.
Police had conducted an extensive search since Vagnini went missing on Saturday, January 27th. According to a report by CBC News, he had attended a morning event the day he disappeared. An attendee of the event reportedly was concerned for Vagnini and followed him to ensure his safety. The individual stopped following Vagnini when he turned onto McCharles Lake Road. Because Vagnini was not driving erratically, the individual believed that the councillor would arrive at his destination safely. Later that night, his family reported him missing.
Vagnini was first elected to the council in 2014. He was unopposed in his re-election bid in 2018 and won 60 per cent of the vote in the 2022 election. The city has released the following statement:
Council and City Mourn Passing of Councillor Michael Vagnini
It is with deep sadness that we hear of the unexpected and tragic passing of Michael Vagnini, Ward 2 Councillor. To respect the privacy of his family and his friends and allow the police to continue their work, no details will be provided.
“On behalf of City Council, my heart goes out to Michael’s partner, children, family and many friends, and to all those who have been helped in some way by him throughout his lifetime,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “His generosity and passion for his community were unmatched. He will be greatly missed. Thank you to the Greater Sudbury Police Service for their tireless work during the investigation and search efforts, and to all those in our community who dedicated time to help find him.”
“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Councillor Vagnini,” said City of Greater Sudbury Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer. “On behalf of all employees, I offer our most heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones. He will be missed by many.”
In honour of Councillor Vagnini, flags at City facilities will be flown at half-mast beginning tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Information on arrangements, including details on a public book of condolences, will be available in the coming days.
