All hands were on deck to help a father find his “missing” daughter on July 19, 2025. Sadly, the story turned tragic hours later.
The Canadian father, Luciano Frattolin, reported his daughter, Melina Frattolin, was possibly abducted, calling from Exit 22 on Interstate 87 in New York, according to police. An Amber Alert was issued in the Lake George community and authorities were put into immediate action. Sadly, Melina was found dead in a pond in Ticonderoga, New York, roughly 40 miles from where she was reported missing, though authorities are not revealing an exact location at this time.
Investigators later revealed that they uncovered a few inconsistencies in the father’s story, CBS News reported, and there’s little to no indication the young girl was actually kidnapped and therefore there’s no threat to the public.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made a post on social media, saying, “The New York State Police are leading the investigation and working tirelessly to hold those responsible fully accountable.”
On July 21, authorities gave an update to the ongoing investigation. The father, Luciano Frattolin, told authorities that he pulled over while driving to urinate, and his daughter was in the back seat, per CBS News. When he turned around, she was missing, and he claimed that a white van was driving away, which authorities determined was false.
People were devastated to hear about the young girl’s passing.
“Just read online that she was found dead. My heart breaks for her and her family. May she rest in peace,” wrote one Fox News commenter. “As someone who has lost a child, I can say you never get over it – never. Each child lost is an added burden on my loss. God bless her soul.”
Luciano was arrested in connection with his daughter’s death and booked into the Essex County Jail in northern New York on Sunday night. He has since been charged with “second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse,” CBS News reported in an update. An autopsy was to be performed on July 21.
