Desperate Search Continues for Missing Michigan College Student

Trenton Massey's mother pleads for help as authorities and volunteers scour Marquette for the 21-year-old who disappeared over the weekend.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 21-year-old Northern Michigan University student named Trenton Massey has been missing since early Sunday morning. Massey was last seen on video appearing disoriented near the Founder's Landing boardwalk in Marquette, Michigan. His mother, Sarah Brock, has been posting emotional updates on social media as search efforts continue, with volunteers and authorities scouring the area around Lake Superior where Massey was last seen.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young college student is an alarming and tragic event that has shaken the Marquette community. Massey's case highlights the dangers that students can face, especially in harsh winter conditions, and the anguish that families experience when a loved one goes missing.

The details

According to police, Massey was last seen on video around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday near the Founder's Landing boardwalk, where he appeared to be "disoriented" and "unstable." His mother, Sarah Brock, has been posting updates on Facebook, detailing the many questions and fears she has about what may have happened to her son. Search efforts have resumed, with volunteers and authorities focusing on the lower harbor of Lake Superior near Founder's Landing based on new information received on Monday.

  • Trenton Massey was last seen on video around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Search efforts resumed on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Trenton Massey

A 21-year-old student at Northern Michigan University who has been missing since early Sunday morning.

Sarah Brock

Trenton Massey's mother, who has been posting emotional updates on social media and pleading for help in the search for her son.

Marquette Police

The local law enforcement agency leading the search for Trenton Massey.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday was such a physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting day. Was there more than just alcohol involved? What if he had been wearing his thicker winter coat and a winter hat instead? What if he wouldn't have been alone and made sure to stay with a buddy?”

— Sarah Brock, Trenton Massey's mother (Facebook)

“My biggest one right now ... and I scream it up to the heavens ... is WHY TRENTON? It is beyond evident from the hundreds of stories and kind words from all those that knew him back home and here at NMU, that he was one of a kind, an amazing guy, would give the shirt off his back, kind, selfless, likeable, loveable, respectful, an amazing soul, one to go above and beyond and be above and beyond, he had done no one any wrong.”

— Sarah Brock, Trenton Massey's mother (Facebook)

What’s next

Searches for Trenton Massey are expected to continue, with authorities and volunteers using specialized equipment to try and locate the missing college student.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the vulnerability of college students, especially in harsh winter conditions, and the immense pain and uncertainty that families face when a loved one goes missing. The outpouring of support from the Marquette community underscores how deeply this has impacted the region, and the determination to find Trenton Massey and provide his family with answers.