Melanie Lapish, 35, was last seen the evening of February 26, 2024, in the McDonald’s parking lot on King’s Highway in Fort Frances, Ontario. She had been dropped off around 9 p.m. with the understanding she was meeting someone for a ride and did not contact family afterward. Described as five feet nine inches and 110 pounds, with blonde hair, green-blue eyes, a nose ring and a black-and-white butterfly tattoo on her lower back, she was likely wearing a grey sweater, blue jeans and a toque when last seen.

Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police opened a missing persons investigation on March 9, 2024, later deeming the circumstances criminally suspicious. The OPP’s Criminal Investigation Branch and Forensic Identification Services are involved. A $50,000 reward has been posted for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Melanie has connections to La Vallee Township, Echo Bay, Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie, Nipigon and Thunder Bay. Her family, including her young son, continues to seek answers.

Did anyone in Fort Frances or nearby towns see Melanie at the McDonald’s lot that night or know who she planned to meet?