Michigan College Student Goes Missing After Leaving Bar During Blizzard

Trenton Massey, 21, was last seen looking disoriented and having difficulty walking in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A desperate search is underway for Northern Michigan University student Trenton Massey, 21, who went missing during a weekend snowstorm in Marquette, Michigan. Massey was last seen on video around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, appearing disoriented and having trouble walking after leaving a bar. Authorities believe Massey may have been affected by the frigid temperatures and alcohol consumption. Hundreds have joined the search effort, but Massey remains missing as of now.

Why it matters

Massey's disappearance during a severe winter storm has raised concerns about public safety and the risks of extreme weather, especially for those who may be impaired. The case also highlights the challenges of finding missing persons, particularly in remote or harsh environments.

The details

According to police, Massey was last seen on video surveillance around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, appearing disoriented and having difficulty walking after leaving a bar in Marquette. The temperature at the time was around 20 degrees, and the area had been experiencing heavy snowfall for several days. Authorities believe Massey may have been affected by the cold weather and his alcohol consumption earlier in the night. Hundreds of people have joined the search effort, including fellow Northern Michigan University students, but Massey remains missing as of now.

  • Massey was last seen on video surveillance around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The area had been experiencing heavy snowfall for several days leading up to Massey's disappearance.

The players

Trenton Massey

A 21-year-old student at Northern Michigan University who went missing during a blizzard in Marquette, Michigan.

Christopher Aldrich

The Captain of Detectives of the Marquette Police Department, who is leading the search effort for Massey.

Ryder Amesbury

A fellow Northern Michigan University student who met Massey at a bar on the night he went missing and is now part of the search party.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ryder Amesbury, Northern Michigan University student (WLUC)

“At this point, we are still actively looking for him.”

— Christopher Aldrich, Captain of Detectives, Marquette Police Department (People)

What’s next

Police are asking residents and businesses in the area to check any surveillance camera footage from 3:25 a.m. on Sunday onward for any signs of Massey. Locals are also being asked to check their property, including vehicles, for any signs of the missing student.

The takeaway

Massey's disappearance during a severe winter storm highlights the importance of public safety and the risks of extreme weather, especially for those who may be impaired. The case also underscores the challenges of finding missing persons in remote or harsh environments, and the crucial role that community involvement can play in search efforts.