The New York State Police continue to investigate the disappearance of a Michigan woman, Erica Franolich, who was last seen in Middleburgh, in 1986.
Ms. Franolich, a wife and mother of two sons, has not been seen or heard from in 21 years.
Born in Waterford, Michigan to Alexander and Betty Poprafsky on August 12, 1960, she has two sisters and four brothers. Following high school, she traveled about the Midwest where she met Richard Franolich of Schoharie County. Erica and Richard were married in 1985 in Texas and had a son, Ricky. In August 1986, the couple returned to New York and settled in Schoharie County.
Nada Thompson, Erica’s sister, reported Ms. Franolich missing in February 1987 to the Waterford Police Department, Waterford, Michigan. Ms. Franolich’s two sons, Christopher, who resided in Arkansas, and Ricky, who passed away in July 2006 in Vermont, have not heard from their mother.
Through numerous interviews, Troopers have been able to recreate Ms. Franolich’s family life, travels, and friendships prior to her disappearance. State Police have developed no information that would lead them to believe she would have left the area without her family.
A photograph of Ms. Franolich who stood five feet four inches, weighed 100 pounds, with long brown hair, and brown eyes, may be viewed on the New York State Police website under missing persons and on missingadults.org.
Troopers are seeking additional individuals who may have met or seen Ms. Franolich in the summer of 1986 in Schenectady County when she and her husband lived with Joseph Franolich, Rick’s brother, or in the fall when the couple resided in Schoharie County. Contact the State Police in Princetown at 630-1700.