Mother Shares Last Texts Before 21-Year-Old Disappears in Michigan

Trenton Massey's mother is vowing to search until she finds her missing son, who was last seen appearing disoriented near a boardwalk.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 21-year-old Northern Michigan University student named Trenton Massey disappeared early Sunday morning after being seen on video near a boardwalk in Marquette, Michigan, appearing disoriented. His mother, Sarah Brock, has shared the last text messages she exchanged with him and is leading a community-wide search effort to find him.

Why it matters

Massey's disappearance has sparked a major search effort in the Marquette community, with hundreds of volunteers assisting. The case highlights the challenges and fears families face when a loved one goes missing, especially in harsh winter conditions.

The details

Massey was last seen on video around 3:30 a.m. Sunday near the Founder's Landing boardwalk in Marquette, where he appeared "disoriented" and unstable on his feet. His mother, Sarah Brock, shared a photo Massey had sent her from a bar earlier that night, along with their text exchange where he said he had won $400. Brock has been leading the search effort, with the university and community members assisting. Police have suspended searches near the boardwalk but will focus on the lower harbor of Lake Superior on Tuesday based on new information.

  • Massey was last seen on video around 3:30 a.m. Sunday near the Founder's Landing boardwalk in Marquette.
  • Massey sent his mother a selfie from a bar late Saturday night.

The players

Trenton Massey

A 21-year-old student at Northern Michigan University who went missing early Sunday morning in Marquette.

Sarah Brock

Massey's mother, who is leading the search effort to find her missing son.

Northern Michigan University

The university Massey attends, where hundreds of students have volunteered to assist in the search.

Marquette Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Massey's disappearance and coordinating search efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Who sends their Mom a selfie from the Bar every time? Trenton Massey does. I am so thankful for this last Selfie and these Last words. I am not leaving Marquette until we find you Trenton.”

— Sarah Brock, Massey's Mother (Facebook)

“It's scary. 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)

What’s next

Searchers with specialized equipment and training will be used on Tuesday to focus the search on the lower harbor of Lake Superior near Founder's Landing based on new information received.

The takeaway

Massey's disappearance has sparked a massive community-wide search effort, highlighting the fear and uncertainty families face when a loved one goes missing. The case underscores the importance of swift action and community support in these situations, especially when harsh winter conditions may be a factor.