Search Intensifies for Northern Michigan Student Lost in Blizzard

Authorities in Marquette, Michigan, have launched an extensive search for a Northern Michigan University student who disappeared during a weekend snowstorm after leaving a bar, as reported by The New York Post.

Trenton Massey, 21, was last seen just before 3:20 a.m. local time Sunday in Marquette. According to the Marquette Police Department, video footage captured Massey appearing “to be disoriented and having difficulty walking.”

The temperature at the time was roughly 20 degrees, and snow had been falling in the area for several days, Christopher Aldrich, captain of detectives at the Marquette Police Department, told People.

MISSING PERSON – The Marquette Police Department is requesting the public’s help in locating missing Northern Michigan University student, 21-year-old Trenton Massey. He went missing early Sunday morning.

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— WWJ 950 (@WWJ950) February 23, 2026

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Aldrich said Massey may have been disoriented because he had been drinking alcohol earlier in the evening and may also have been affected by the cold conditions.

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“At this point, we are still actively looking for him,” Aldrich told the outlet.

The disappearance occurred during what one student described as severe winter weather. Ryder Amesbury, a fellow Northern Michigan University student, told WLUC that he met Massey at a bar the night he vanished.

Amesbury said he later woke up to see a photo of Massey circulating as a missing person.

“It’s scary,” Amesbury said.

“It was an absolute blizzard that night. Like, I walked home, and I got lost walking home. So, it’s horrible to hear and obviously see, but it’s amazing to see how many people came out here to help search for him.”

Hundreds of people joined search efforts to locate Massey, including students and local residents. Volunteers canvassed areas around where Massey was last seen as law enforcement coordinated the response.

Police said Massey was last seen wearing an olive green and black jacket along with dark pants.

The Marquette Police Department released a map highlighting a red-shaded area and asked residents and business owners within that zone to review surveillance footage from 3:25 a.m. Sunday onward for any signs of Massey.

Authorities also requested that local residents check their property, including vehicles, for any evidence that could help locate the missing student.

Officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances leading up to Massey’s disappearance beyond what was captured on video and reported by witnesses.

Investigators continue to review available footage and follow up on tips as the search remains active.

Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, a city on the southern shore of Lake Superior that is known for heavy snowfall during the winter months.

Conditions in the region can deteriorate quickly during snowstorms, with reduced visibility and freezing temperatures posing additional risks.

As of the latest update, authorities say the search for Massey remains ongoing, and they are urging anyone with information to contact the Marquette Police Department.

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