The Spirit Lake Nation community is mourning the tragic loss of 20-year-old Danica “Tynee” White, whose body was discovered Thursday afternoon following a six-day extensive search effort in the Fort Totten area. White, a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, had been reported missing since Saturday, November 1.
Officials confirmed that White was recovered from the water shortly before 3:00 p.m. on November 6. At this stage of the investigation, authorities say there is no indication of foul play. White’s death remains under investigation as officials continue to review all surrounding circumstances and evidence from the scene.
Major Multi-Agency Search Effort
Her disappearance prompted a massive coordinated search response involving 22 agencies from federal, state, and local levels. Search teams covered nearly 15,000 acres of land, shoreline, and water using helicopters, drones, divers, mounted officers, K9 units, and ground crews. Agencies assisting included the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Department, BIA Missing & Murdered Unit, North Dakota Highway Patrol, Bismarck Mounted Police, Benson County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
The search began after White placed a 911 call for help around 6:00 a.m. on November 1 near BIA-25 (Refuse Road). When fire crews arrived within minutes, she was no longer at the location. A Feather Alert was issued statewide, though tribal officials later stated it did not properly disseminate — raising renewed questions and concerns around emergency alert reliability for missing Indigenous adults.
Community Heartbreak
The devastating outcome has weighed heavily across the Spirit Lake Nation.
“We are committed to supporting Danica’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Joseph “JJ” Jetty, Spirit Lake Fire Chief and Incident Commander. “This is not the outcome any of us prayed for.”
Tribal Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street described White as a vibrant young woman whose life was full of promise.
“Danica was a bright and beloved young woman with her whole future in front of her,” Jackson-Street said. “We ask the community to continue praying for her family, and to respect their privacy as they grieve.”
As tribally-led support teams, mental health resources, and counselors respond to help the community process this loss, residents of Spirit Lake remember Danica Tynee White with love, respect, and heartbreak — her memory now carried forward by those who knew and loved her most.