TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — Heartbreak and disbelief have swept across communities in both the United States and Canada following the tragic death of Melina Galanis Frattolin, a 9-year-old girl whose body was discovered on Sunday in the quiet town of Ticonderoga, New York.
The young Canadian, who had been visiting the Lake George area with her father, Luciano Frattolin, was initially reported missing late Saturday night, triggering a statewide Amber Alert and a full-scale multi-agency search. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance quickly came under scrutiny, and by early Monday morning, her father was taken into custody by authorities.
According to New York State Police, Luciano Frattolin contacted emergency services just before 10 p.m. on July 19, claiming his daughter had been abducted from the Lake George area, near Exit 22 on Interstate 87. He alleged that a white van had been seen heading south with Melina inside. Responding to the call, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies issued an Amber Alert, stating the child was in imminent danger.
As the investigation progressed, however, inconsistencies in the father’s account began to emerge. State police noted discrepancies in the timeline provided by Frattolin, prompting authorities to redirect the focus of their search. By Sunday, the Amber Alert had been canceled, and Melina’s body was located in Ticonderoga—approximately 30 miles east of where she was initially reported missing.
Frattolin, 45, was arrested in the early hours of July 21 and booked into the Essex County Jail in the town of Lewis. Though formal charges were pending at the time of publication, law enforcement confirmed that the case is now being investigated as a homicide. Officials have also stated there is no broader threat to the public.
The news of Melina’s death has cast a long shadow across the community, and questions remain about the tragic sequence of events that ended her young life. A student, daughter, and friend, Melina was described in personal accounts as bright, inquisitive, and deeply loved. Although few personal details have been shared publicly, online sources associated with her father’s business ventures previously referenced Melina as his pride and joy—a vibrant child with a creative spirit and a love of learning.
Multiple state and local agencies, including K-9 units, aviation teams, forest rangers, and environmental conservation officers, took part in the urgent search that began Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning. Their tireless efforts underscore the gravity of the situation and the broad commitment to bringing clarity and justice to a profoundly disturbing case.
Law enforcement officials have scheduled a press briefing to provide further details about the arrest and ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, support for Melina’s surviving loved ones continues to pour in from both sides of the border, with many expressing sorrow, outrage, and a desire for accountability.
Melina’s death is a devastating loss—one that has deeply impacted those who knew her and many more who are just now learning her name. In a world where childhood should be a time of wonder and safety, her passing stands as a grim reminder of how fragile that promise can be.
A formal memorial service has not yet been announced, but the public is encouraged to hold space for the grieving process and support any forthcoming tributes in her honor.
