Missing 9-Year-Old Melina Frattolin Found Dead – Here's What We Know

A quiet evening in Lake George turned into a full-scale search after a Canadian father reported his 9-year-old daughter missing. Days later, that search ended miles away with a grim discovery.

On the night of July 19, 2025, Warren County 911 received a call just before 10 p.m. A man reported his 9-year-old daughter missing near Exit 22 of I-87 in Lake George, New York. He claimed she may have been abducted.

The caller was identified as a 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin of Canada. His daughter, Melina Frattolin, was the missing child. Following his call, the Warren County Sheriff's Office began an immediate search.

But as the investigation unfolded, law enforcement noted inconsistencies in the father's account. His timeline of events did not match the gathered evidence. Authorities later stated there was no indication that an abduction took place.

Search efforts expanded with the help of multiple agencies, including the Essex County Sheriff's Office, Ticonderoga Police Department, and several New York State law enforcement units. K9 teams and aviation resources were also involved.

Sadly, Melina was eventually located deceased in Ticonderoga, New York. Due to jurisdictional factors, the case has now been turned over to the New York State Police. Officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation now remains active, and a media briefing is expected on July 21.

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York State released a statement following the discovery of Melina's body. The message, attributed to PBA President James McCartney, expressed sorrow over the outcome of the search.

"The PBA of New York State is extremely saddened to learn of the death of Melina Galanis Frattolin," the statement read. "Our PBA-member New York State Forest Rangers coordinated the search."

According to the release, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer, also a PBA member, found Melina's body while conducting a grid search in the Ticonderoga area.

The statement extended condolences to the girl's family and acknowledged the emotional toll on officers involved in the case. "Our thoughts are also with our member Forest Rangers and ECOs dealing with the grief of this horrific tragedy," James said.

News of Melina's death has sparked a wave of emotional reactions online. As details of the case continue to unfold, many have taken to social media to express grief, frustration, and suspicion over the circumstances.

One person wrote, "The father's story is not adding up. I hope I'm wrong." Another commented, "I knew there was something wrong with this story right from the get go. They tried to cover it up. Dirtbags."

Others called for accountability. "If it was a fabricated story on the father's part I would look in to the parents of this child and get to the bottom of it all," someone noted. "Clearly if the father isn't being truthful about his story maybe he had something to do with it.[sic]"

Some responses were more emotional, reflecting the pain felt by many over the loss. "My heart as a mom truly breaks RIP sweet angel," one person shared. Another wrote, "Come on please stop killing these beautiful children. Rest in peace sweet Angel. Prayers to her family.[sic]"

Calls for justice were echoed in several posts. "Lord please expose the person who did this to this baby girl. Just makes me sick," one read. Another added, "Family is who killed her RIP beautiful girl.[sic]"

Shorter messages captured the raw grief many are feeling. "Heartbreaking!" one person wrote. Someone else added, "Omg! What type of monster would do this to this sweet, beautiful, innocent soul? This is extremely sad! Prayers for the family." As the investigation continues, the public's demand for answers grows louder.

Luciano, the father at the center of the investigation into Melina's death, is known publicly as the founder of Gambella Coffee and a seasoned entrepreneur. His professional background spans multiple sectors, marked by a focus on building high-performing and culturally diverse businesses.

Born in the remote Ethiopian village of Gambella to an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father, Luciano grew up between two distinct worlds. He spent his early years among coffee plants on his family's plantation and later in the structured elegance of Milan.

These formative experiences shaped a worldview grounded in cross-cultural understanding. Luciano pursued studies in the humanities and social sciences, and his company's mission reflects his stated commitment to community and creativity.

He has described his entrepreneurial philosophy as one that prioritizes people over profit — a shift he attributes to a life-altering event in early 2019 that significantly impacted his health and outlook.

In recent years, he has been based in Montreal, Canada, where he lived with his daughter, Melina. Public biographical material paints a portrait of a devoted father, often describing Melina as his guiding light and the inspiration behind his personal and professional efforts.

He has spoken openly about raising her with a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and appreciation for global diversity.

As the investigation into Melina's death continues, Luciano's background has drawn increasing public interest. Authorities have not released additional information about his role in the case, but questions surrounding his initial report remain under scrutiny.