What Happened To Erica Franolich?
An Michigan mother, attempting to get her family back together, was last seen in Upstate New York back in 1986 and has never been heard from again.
According to the Charly Project, Erica Franolich was last seen on October 13th, 1986 at approximately 9:00 pm. She was seen around the “vicinity of Main Street and Railroad Avenue” in Middleburgh, New York.
The website details that Franolich and her husband’s relationship wasn’t in the best place. They explain that Erica’s husband Richard took their son and moved to Duanesburg, NY in the summer of 1986. Erica ended up moving back to Michigan to be with her family.
It’s reported that Erica returned to Duanesburg to get her child back, but then reconciled with her husband.
The Charly Project reports that in October 1986, Erica told her brother in Michigan she feared for her life, but wanted to leave again. She promised she would call her brother the next day to make a plan to leave, however she never did.
Her husband and son later moved to Vermont shortly after that phone call and Erica was never heard from again.
Erica’s case remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.
New York State Police Still Searching For Erica Franolich
39-years after her disappearance, the New York State Police shared they are still looking for the missing mother.
In a Facebook post, shared on October 13th 2025, the New York State Police write:
State Police continue to investigate the disappearance of Erica Franolich 39 years after she went missing from Middleburgh, NY. Erica, who was 26 years old when she went missing, was originally from Michigan and last spoke to her family on October 13, 1986.
The New York State Police say they have made a “concentrated effort to solve this crime and continue to ask for the public’s assistance.”
Anyone who may have information regarding Erica’s whereabouts or about the case in general is asked to call the New York State Police at 518-457-6811 or email them at Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
In the Charly Project listing, Erica’s case is classified under “Endangered Missing.”
Missing In New York
Sadly, Erica’s case is one of many in New York.
Below you will find other missing persons and cold cases that have yet to be solved. If you know anything regarding these cases please reach out to local law enforcement.
Nearly 70 Children Are Missing In New York
Take a look at these photos and see if you can help a New York family in need.
6 Missing College Student Cold Cases In New York State
Gallery Credit: Yasmin Young
These 12 Vulnerable Adults Are Missing From Upstate New YorkEach of these twelve individuals is missing from Upstate New York and is considered to be a vulnerable adult. If you know anything about any of them, please reach out to the New York Missing Persons Clearninghouse by calling 1-800-346-3543.
Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor