Michael Vagnini Obituary: Missing Sudbury, ON Councillor found dead by suicide at Reserve Camp Road on Atikiamekshing Anishnawbek First Nation
At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, February 13, 2024, officers were sent to Reserve Camp Road on Atikiamekshing Anishnawbek First Nation in response to a request from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The OPP had provided the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) with information about the whereabouts of a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck with an Ontario license plate, which was the vehicle that Michael Vagnini was last observed driving on January 27, 2024.
Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Detectives from the Major Crime Section of our Criminal Investigation Division, along with officers from Patrol Operations and the Rural Community Response Unit, were present in the area.
Regrettably, the lifeless body of Michael Vagnini, aged 62, was found near the vehicle. The detectives are now in the first phases of the death investigation, and there is no suspicion of any criminal activity at this point.
Investigators are collaborating with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Coroner’s Office regarding the death investigation. An autopsy will be performed by the Coroner’s Office to aid in determining the cause of death. We extend our sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael. Please demonstrate consideration for their privacy during this exceedingly challenging and emotionally charged period.
Tributes
A piece of my heart is broken. My friend, Michael Vagnini has been found deceased. I have no details, but Michael believed in God. He had a true faith in Jesus and he loved the people of Sudbury and the surrounding areas. My heart goes to Janie Galipeau and the family. I am confident that Michael wanted peace for all of you and I truly hope and pray that the comfort of God would rest upon you all.
I have spent the past few weeks missing my dear friend. I feel sick to my stomach over this loss but have faith that we will meet each other again. Michael was a champion for honesty in government. He fought against corruption and paid dearly for taking that righteous stance.
Michael was one of the most passionate and supportive of my music, and he challenged me to be very clear in defining my logo to brand me and what’s important to me. I may have designed it and had my friend Leo Duquette polish and improve it, but Michael was a catalyst driving me to get it done. He was one of the first I wanted to see it. There will be many words to come and many tears to cry. This loss will be felt for a lifetime by many of us. I am confident Michael would appreciate our grief, but that he would remind us that God is all loving, all good, and fully in control of our struggles. He had me pray with him and for him often, and I consider it an honor that he asked me.
Michael, we love you, we miss you, we wish you were still here with us but we trust you’re in a better place now. May you rest in peace, my friend. May others see the examples of kindness and community support that you led with and may they imitate your good deeds. May those who spoke ill of you be convicted in their hearts and attempt to make amends by changing their actions.