Northern Michigan University students, faculty and friends of Trenton Massey gather to share his memory Wednesday night, as a few hours earlier the search for Massey was called off by officials.
The Prayer and Support Gathering service was held at Anchor Church on Washington Street in Marquette. It saw family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances of Massey gather to honor and share memories of him. A few tales were told of Massey’s comedic battles with his truck.
“I can also relate to Trenton’s truck breaking down,” said a classmate of Massey’s. “I took an accounting class with him. He would always send me videos of his truck not starting… He is the only reason I passed that class. So I am just really grateful for him and of the memories.”
Coworkers shared stories of how Massey brought a fun energy to his place of work, and had a habit of mixing fountain drinks even in the most chaotic of times.
“We both worked with Trenton at Texas Roadhouse,” said a coworker of Massey’s. “I have a little boy and he is six, and my boyfriend is the manager and worked a lot with Trenton at Texas Roadhouse in the kitchen on the line sweating. I remember it was Mother’s Day and the first big rush and it was probably 104 degrees in the kitchen and its high intensity energy. The owner I remember says, ‘Everybody on line better drink some water.’ and you could just hear Trent, ‘I am not drinking water I want a Powerade.’ So the servers would get Trent a Sprite or a Powerade or mix up any concoction.”
The search for Massey began on February 22, after his phone was found abandoned at 8 a.m. and Massey being reported missing five hours later. The search would see countless NMU Students and Marquette residents participate in a sweeping search around Marquette during freezing temperatures, with local businesses providing warmth, food and drinks to keep the searchers going. Officials would use a hover craft, scuba, sonar, the K9 unit and more to locate Massey.
“As of 4:00pm on 02/25/2026 Massey has not been located. Search efforts have been suspended by law enforcement pending new information. Investigation of this incident is ongoing by the Marquette Police Department. Volunteer search efforts may continue, but please be mindful of private property and stay off the ice,” said a press release from the Marquette City Police.
Volunteer efforts can still continue, and a Go-Fund-Me is set up for the family of Massey.
NMU Students can contact NMU Counseling and Consultation Services (906-227-2980) or HelpNow (855-485-1641). NMU employees can access numerous resources on the Employee Mental Health and Resources site.
