Melissa Beson, a 37-year-old member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, was last seen on the afternoon of March 17, 2025, walking along Indian Village Road near Wayman Lane toward Highway 47 on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin. She was wearing red sweatpants, a black sleeveless shirt, and a gray sweatshirt. Her family reported her missing six days later, on March 23, after unsuccessful attempts to contact her.
In response, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, led by Chief T.J. Bill, initiated an extensive search operation. Over 1,000 hours have been dedicated to ground, air, and water searches, covering more than 824 acres of forested land. The search has been complicated by snow cover, with initial efforts hindered by over six inches of snowfall shortly after Beson's disappearance. Drones, including submersible ones, were deployed to survey the Bear River and surrounding areas, but no significant leads have emerged.
Authorities have also reviewed footage from over 360 surveillance cameras across the reservation, but none captured Beson's movements. License plate data from vehicles in the area on March 17 have been collected for further investigation. Reports of possible sightings in the Wausau area have been investigated, but none have been substantiated.
Beson's disappearance has deeply affected her family and the community. Her mother, Winifred "Winnie" Beson, described her daughter as big-hearted, lovable, and funny, emphasizing their close relationship. The community has rallied together, holding awareness events and walks to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women, highlighting the broader issue of violence against Indigenous communities.
Melissa Beson is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a medium build, brown hair, and brown eyes. She has numerous tattoos on her neck, arms, and legs. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 479-4441.
Last Seen: Mar 17, 2025
