Underwater ROV Team Discovers Missing Man’s Body in Traverse City Waters

MARQUETTE, Mich. — The body of Trenton Massey, a 21-year-old Northern Michigan University (NMU) student who had been missing since late February, was recovered from Lake Superior’s Lower Harbor on Friday, April 24, 2026, authorities confirmed. The discovery ended a nearly two-month search involving multiple agencies, volunteers, and specialized underwater technology.

Discovery and Recovery

The Marquette Police Department announced that Massey’s body was located submerged in the water north of the Shiras Dock in Marquette’s Lower Harbor at approximately 3:30 p.m. On April 24. The discovery was made by volunteers from Hybrid Robotics, an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) manufacturing company based in Traverse City. The company had assisted in the search efforts by deploying its ROV technology to scan the harbor’s depths.

Following the discovery, divers from the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office recovered Massey’s body, which was then transported to UPHS-Marquette for an autopsy. The Marquette Police Department confirmed that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing.

Timeline of the Disappearance

Massey, a Corunna High School graduate from Shiawassee County, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026. Surveillance footage captured him at approximately 3:08 a.m. Walking east on a bike path near the 7th Street Bridge on the west side of downtown Marquette. He was reportedly wearing a black and olive green coat at the time.

Police later confirmed that Massey was seen near East Baraga Avenue and the Founder’s Landing boardwalk, an area adjacent to the harbor. Officials described him as appearing disoriented and having difficulty walking in the footage. Despite extensive search efforts involving land, air, ice, and water, authorities suspended the active search on February 25 after four days, citing the limits of available resources, and equipment.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The search for Massey drew widespread support from the Marquette community and beyond. Volunteers, including local residents and organizations such as No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue and Frontline Strong, joined law enforcement agencies in scouring the area. Agencies involved in the search included the Marquette Police Department, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Michigan University Police Department, Michigan State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Kelly Grinnell of Owosso to support Massey’s family had raised over $61,800 by the evening of April 24. The campaign described the family’s ordeal as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” highlighting the emotional toll of Massey’s disappearance.

On April 16, a memorial gathering was held at Marquette’s Lower Harbor, where community members placed flowers in the water to honor Massey. The event underscored the emotional impact of his disappearance on the region.

Ongoing Investigation

Marquette Police Chief Ryan Grim stated in February that law enforcement had “searched everywhere possible” with the resources available at the time. The recovery of Massey’s body has shifted the focus of the investigation toward determining the exact circumstances of his death. Authorities have not released details about potential causes or contributing factors pending the results of the autopsy.

The Marquette Police Department expressed gratitude to all the agencies, organizations, and volunteers who participated in the search efforts. “We would like to thank everyone who helped during this difficult time,” the department said in a statement following the recovery.

As the investigation continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of Trenton Massey, a student described by those who knew him as a bright and promising young man.