What began as a frantic search for a missing child in upstate New York has now ended in heartbreak.
The story of nine-year-old Melina Frattolin gripped the community of Lake George over the weekend, but hope was tragically dashed less than 24 hours after the initial alert.
Father Reported Abduction in a White Van
Melina’s father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, contacted police on Saturday, saying he believed his daughter had been kidnapped and taken away in a white van.
This prompted New York State Police to issue an AMBER Alert, mobilizing emergency services and the public in a desperate attempt to locate the young girl.
Police Issue Heartbreaking Update
But by Sunday, the narrative had taken a devastating turn.
Authorities announced that Melina had been found dead and, more startlingly, that there was no evidence to support the original claim that she had been abducted.
The details surrounding her death remain unclear, and investigators are now focusing on how the situation unfolded so quickly and tragically.
Description Released During Search Effort
During the search, police shared a description of Melina in hopes of generating leads.
She was five feet tall, weighed around 100 pounds, and was of Indian descent, with brown eyes and brown hair.
At the time of her disappearance, she had been wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers.
Understanding the Role of AMBER Alerts
AMBER Alerts are only issued in the most serious cases of suspected child abductions.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the alerts are designed to get the public involved immediately, with messages sent through phones, billboards, television, radio, and other platforms.
The NCMEC reported that in 2025 alone, over 1,200 children have been safely recovered thanks to the widespread use of AMBER Alerts—a number that makes stories like Melina’s even more devastating.
The Small Town of Lake George Left in Shock
The tragedy has hit Lake George especially hard.
This quiet, scenic town in the Adirondack Mountains—about 60 miles north of Albany—is known for its peaceful waterfront and family-friendly atmosphere.
The loss of a young life under such unclear and heartbreaking circumstances has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community.
What Comes Next
This is still a developing situation. Investigators are continuing to piece together what happened in the final hours before Melina was found.
Many questions remain unanswered, especially around how the initial abduction report came to be and what actually led to the child’s death.
Updates are expected as the investigation moves forward.
For now, the focus remains on honoring Melina’s memory and supporting a community reeling from unimaginable loss.