A peaceful evening in Lake George, New York, turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was reported missing by her father, Luciano Frattolin, on July 19, 2025. The call to Warren County 911 sparked a massive search effort after Luciano expressed concern that his daughter might have been abducted near Exit 22 on I-87.
Multiple law enforcement agencies joined the search, deploying K9 units and aerial teams, but suspicions grew as inconsistencies emerged in Luciano’s account. Authorities ultimately found no evidence to support the abduction claim. After days of exhaustive searching, Melina’s body was discovered in Ticonderoga, New York, by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office handed over the investigation to the New York State Police due to jurisdictional reasons. The Police Benevolent Association of New York State expressed deep sorrow over the loss and offered condolences to the family while highlighting the emotional toll the case has taken on officers involved.
The tragic news has ignited a wave of grief and suspicion on social media, with many questioning the father’s story and demanding answers. While some mourn the loss of a young life, others voice frustration and call for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. The public’s desire for justice and clarity continues to grow as the investigation remains active.
Luciano Frattolin, a Canadian entrepreneur and founder of Gambella Coffee, is known for his multicultural background and dedication to his daughter. Raised between Ethiopia and Italy, he has often spoken about raising Melina with a strong sense of identity and pride. As the community grapples with the tragedy, authorities continue their work to piece together what really happened to Melina and bring closure to this devastating case.
