MARQUETTE, Mich. – The body of a missing Northern Michigan University student was recovered from the Lower Harbor in Marquette, authorities said.
Trenton Massey, 21, was found at about 3:30 p.m. submerged in the water north of Shiras Dock, according to the Marquette Police Department. Volunteers from Hybrid Robotics, an underwater remotely operated vehicle manufacturer based in Traverse City, made the discovery.
Divers from the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body, which was turned over to UPHS EMS and transported to UPHS-Marquette for an autopsy. The investigation remains ongoing.
Nearly two months of searching
Massey’s recovery followed an extensive search spanning nearly two months.
Multiple agencies and volunteer groups assisted in the operation, searching by land, air, ice, and water.
Massey, an NMU student, was last seen Feb. 22, 2026, at around 3 a.m. Surveillance cameras captured him walking near E. Baraga Ave. and the Founders Landing Boardwalk in Marquette.
Police said he appeared disoriented and had difficulty walking, and was believed to be heading to his residence on McMillan Street.
He was last seen wearing a black and olive-green coat.
Marquette police launched a search after Massey was reported missing and provided daily social media updates throughout the effort. Authorities suspended the search Feb. 23 before resuming the following morning, focusing on the water in the lower harbor near Founders Landing.
Dozens of agencies joined the effort
Authorities thanked the many organizations involved in the search, including the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office, NMU Police Department, Marquette City Fire Department, Michigan State Police K-9 and Marine Services units, the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Marquette, the U.S. Army, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, Alger County Sheriff’s Office, No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue, Frontline Strong and community volunteers.
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