In a heartbreaking turn of events, 9‑year‑old Canadian girl Melina Galanis Frattolin—who sparked a frenzied Amber Alert after being reported missing in Lake George, New York—was found dead in Ticonderoga on July 20, 2025. Authorities emphasize that no abduction occurred; instead, their investigation revealed serious inconsistencies in the timeline provided by her father, Luciano Frattolin. The tragic discovery marks a devastating end to a case that gripped two countries.
What Sparked the Amber Alert & the Search Effort
Initial disappearance report
Late Saturday evening, at approximately 9:58 p.m. local time, Luciano Frattolin phoned Warren County 911 to report his daughter missing on Interstate 87 near Exit 22—citing an abduction scenario involving a white van heading southbound. State police described the situation as life‑threatening, prompting an Amber Alert issuance just before 1:30 a.m.
Multi‑agency search operations
The alert triggered an extensive response from multiple agencies: Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Ticonderoga Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police (including K‑9 and aviation units), Environmental Conservation Officers, and Forest Rangers. Ground searches over rough terrain and aerial sweeps spanned several hours before recovery.
Key Findings: No Abduction, Inconsistencies Emerge
Father’s inconsistent statements
Upon locating Melina’s body in Ticonderoga, state police scrutinized Luciano’s account and found conflicting details in his timeline and narrative of events. These discrepancies led them to conclude there was no evidence of abduction, prompting the immediate cancellation of the Amber Alert at 4:18 p.m.
No public threat identified
Officials confirmed there is currently no indication that Melina was forcibly taken by anyone other than her father, and accordingly, no ongoing danger to the public. No suspects have been named, and police are urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
Who Was Melina? & More About the Father
Melina’s background
Melina Galanis Frattolin, age 9, was described as approximately 5 feet tall, weighing 100 lb, with brown hair and eyes—last spotted in a blue‑and‑white striped shirt, light‑colored shorts, and white Adidas sneakers. She and her father are Canadian residents, reportedly touring or vacationing in upstate New York.
About Luciano Frattolin
Aged 45, Luciano Frattolin is identified as a Canadian businessman with Montreal ties, originally from Italian and Ethiopian descent, and founder of Gambella Coffee. His personal bio references overcoming a crisis in 2019, but offers no specifics. Melina is often described as his “light of life.”New York Post
How Amber Alerts Work—and When They’re Canceled
Amber Alert criteria
Amber Alerts are activated under strict criteria: a confirmed abduction of a minor, imminent danger of serious harm, and information sufficient to assist public identification efforts. Although initially believed justified, further investigation demonstrated the abduction assumption was unfounded.
Cancellation and investigation shift
Once law enforcement determined the Amber Alert was based on inconsistent information—not abduction—they rescinded the alert mid‑afternoon and shifted the investigation to a death inquiry. Warren County Sheriff’s Office deferred jurisdiction to the New York State Police, who confirmed no new public warning was necessary.People.com
What Happens Next: Investigation & Community Response
Upcoming press briefing
New York State Police have announced a press conference on Monday to shed light on forensic findings and clarify the next investigative steps regarding Melina’s cause of death and Father’s statements.
Community and law enforcement reaction
The New York State Forest Rangers’ union issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow and condolences to Melina’s family. Their members were instrumental in the grid search that led to the discovery of her body. Meanwhile, residents of Lake George and Ticonderoga are reeling from shock, many expressing relief that no stranger threat exists, yet grappling with the tragic outcome.
Conclusion
This deeply tragic case highlights the double-edged nature of Amber Alerts: while designed to mobilize communities in genuine abduction scenarios, they can also be triggered by misinformed reports, delaying resolution and sowing confusion. With Melina’s death now confirmed and her father’s story under intense scrutiny, the nation awaits the official findings from Monday’s press event.
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