Antonina Kaye Rinato Yarmakov, also known as Tonya, was last seen on September 4, 2024, at Savanna Portage State Park near McGregor, Minnesota. The 23-year-old woman, who lived with autism and type 1 diabetes, had been vacationing with her family at a remote cabin in the park. That day, her family took a rowboat out onto the lake while Tonya remained on the dock, sitting in her favorite chair.
According to her parents, she appeared to look over her shoulder multiple times before suddenly standing and running toward the cabin. Despite their proximity, the family was unable to locate her after rowing back to shore and searching the area.
Tonya’s disappearance triggered an extensive search operation led by the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office, involving drones, boats, cadaver dogs, and volunteers from across Minnesota. Over 2,200 search hours were logged in the initial days. Authorities reviewed park surveillance footage and interviewed all known visitors present at the time. Despite these efforts, no trace of Tonya was found, prompting officials to shift from a rescue to a recovery mission within a week of her disappearance.
Tonya was last seen wearing a rainbow tie-dyed shirt, gray gym shorts, black slip-on shoes, and black headphones. Her medical condition heightened the urgency of the search, as she did not have her diabetic supplies with her. Her family emphasized that Tonya was well aware of the dangers of unmanaged diabetes and had been looking forward to a treat in town that day, making her sudden departure all the more perplexing.
In the months following her disappearance, the Yarmakov family continued their search and advocacy efforts. They launched a website, FindTonyaNow.com, and organized vigils, including one at St. Olaf College. A GoFundMe campaign was created to support the family’s ongoing search and eventual memorial efforts. A tree was planted in her honor at Swale Park in Northfield, and donations were made to the local library to provide sensory-friendly resources in her name.
Despite the passage of time, Tonya’s family and the community remain committed to finding answers. Sheriff Dan Guida stated that the search would continue, especially as seasonal changes made the terrain more accessible. The case remains open, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office.Last Seen: Sep 4, 2024
