‘Was she even dead?’: Melina Frattolin’s heartbreaking cause of death revealed

Melina Frattolin‘s preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation due to drowning, according to the New York State Police. Melina’s father, Luciano Frattolin, initially reported her missing, but was later arrested and has now been charged with her murder.

On July 20, New York State Forest Rangers located 9-year-old Melina’s body in the shallow end of a pond in Ticonderoga, NY, concealed under a log. Melina’s preliminary cause of death suggests she was conscious when she was placed there. However, it’s important to note, Melina’s preliminary autopsy did not say that was the case.

Melina and Luciano’s daddy-daughter trip

On July 11, 2025, Melina and Luciano, from Montreal, Canada, entered the U.S. for a daddy-daughter vacation. They visited Connecticut, New York City, and Lake George, with plans to return to Montreal eight days later. Luciano previously operated Gambella Coffee, a boutique coffee brand in Canada.

On the evening of July 19, surveillance cameras placed them in Saratoga Springs, and around 6:30 p.m. that night, Melina spoke with her mother and everything seemed normal.

But at approximately 10 p.m. that night, Luciano called 911 from near Lake George in upstate New York, claiming Melina had been abducted by two men in a white van.

An Amber Alert was issued but was canceled on July 20 once police determined no credible evidence of abduction existed and found inconsistencies in Luciano’s story. Melina’s remains were found that same day.

Luciano’s financial and legal problems

Family and acquaintances now described complicated personal circumstances: Melina’s mother had full custody, and Luciano had undergone financial and personal difficulties. A former associate said Frattolin viewed fatherhood as burdensome, according to the New York Post. Luciano has no history of violence or criminal record, and Melina’s mother said there were no warning signs.

Already tragic, social media response to the news that Melina drowned raised disturbing questions. One comment said, “Omg, was she even dead when he put her there if she drowned? That’s sad!”

An official motive has not been disclosed, but one social media comment speculated, “I think he hates [Melina’s] mother. Blames her for his issues. Finally gets some extended time alone with Melina, and he plans this.”

The comment added, “He intentionally allowed Melina to call her mother right before he killed her. Melina told her that she was on the way home. Seems calculated.”

Luciano was arrested early on July 21, charged with second‑degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. He pleaded not guilty and is being held in Essex County Jail, represented by a public defender. The investigation is ongoing.