Yesterday night, a chilling Amber Alert swept across New York as authorities urgently searched for 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin. The incident has cast a shadow over the usually lively tourist town of Lake George, mobilizing communities, law enforcement, and social media to find the missing child.
Who Is Melina Frattolin?
Melina Frattolin is a 9-year-old girl described as being of Indian descent, with brown hair and brown eyes. She stands about 5 feet tall, weighs around 100 pounds, and was last seen wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers. Melina is the daughter of Montreal-based entrepreneur Luciano Frattolin, who is known for his work in socially conscious business. Melina’s family were reportedly vacationing in Lake George, a popular getaway spot, at the time of the incident.
The Abduction and Amber Alert
On Saturday, July 19th, at around 9:40 p.m., witnesses saw Melina last inside a white van, which was moving southbound on Interstate 87 near exit 22, Lake George Village. Law enforcement believe she was taken under circumstances that put her in “imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death.” Officials quickly acted by activating a statewide Amber Alert—an emergency broadcast system intended for the most severe child abduction cases.
Authorities have released only a very vague description of the van; there’s been no confirmed suspect or detailed info about who may have taken Melina. The Amber Alert has spread through TV, radio, highway signs, social media, and cellphones, with the hope that someone may see Melina or the van and call in a tip.
The Community Reacts
New York State Police, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children have all joined forces. Social media users are working overtime to circulate Melina’s photo and details. Even so, the investigation remains highly sensitive: law enforcement have held back certain information to protect the integrity of their search.
The incident has deeply impacted both the Lake George community and travelers from the U.S. and Canada, with parents expressing fear and solidarity. Residents and vacationers are being urged to keep an eye out along the I-87 corridor and nearby routes.
Why Amber Alerts Matter
Amber Alerts are a vital tool for law enforcement in the U.S. They instantly mobilize whole communities, media, and police to aid in the safe recovery of children. Statistics have shown they’ve resulted in over 1,200 recoveries of missing children since late 2024.
What You Can Do
If you have any information regarding Melina’s whereabouts or see a white van matching the bare description, do not approach. Instead, call the Warren County Sheriff at 518-743-2501 or call 911 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Melina Frattolin?
She is a 9-year-old girl from Montreal, of Indian descent, who was abducted in Lake George, NY, while with her family.
2. When and where did the abduction happen?
Melina was last seen on July 19, 2025, at around 9:40 p.m. on Interstate 87 near exit 22, in a white van heading southbound.
3. What was she wearing at the time?
She was wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts, and white Adidas sneakers.
4. Is there any suspect or vehicle info?
The van is described as white, but police have not released a license plate or suspect information, making the search way more challenging.
5. How can the public help?
If you spot Melina or the van, immediately contact the authorities at 518-743-2501 or call 911. Do not try to intervene yourself.
This horror no one wants to live. Let’s hope Melina is found soon and brought back to her family.