Father of Madeline Kingsbury’s kids, family members release statements; police provide update

By KSTP

A picture of Madeline Kingsbury is seen in Winona on April 5, 2023. (KSTP-TV)

For the first time, the father of a missing Winona woman’s children has released a statement regarding her disappearance.

Wednesday, Hubbard Broadcasting affiliate KAAL-TV reported that Adam Fravel released the following statement through his attorney:

“Over the course of the last 12 days my family and I have been subject to a myriad of accusations regarding the disappearance of the mother of my children, Maddi Kingsbury. During these last 12 days I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn, including sitting down for multiple interviews with Winona County law enforcement. I did not have anything to do with Maddi’s disappearance. I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything. Law enforcement advised me on April 2nd that they would not recommend that I attend the press conferences or that I assist in the searches due to safety concerns. However, my non-attendance and silence has been inferred by many as a sign of apathy, or worse. That could not be further from the truth. I want Maddi home and for her to be able to be with our two children. God Bless the Kingsbury family and please bring her home safely.“
Adam Fravel, father of Madeline Kingsbury’s children

Kingsbury’s family also released a new statement Wednesday afternoon, calling her disappearance “a waking nightmare with no respite.”

“Nothing in life prepares you for this. The disappearance of our daughter and sister has been a waking nightmare with no respite. In the days and nights since Madeline disappeared, the immediate family and extended family have, collectively and individually, been experiencing emotions and trials that someone who has never been suddenly thrust into this horrific situtation could ever imagine.
“Eating is a mechanical act we force ourselves to do in order to keep our strength up so we can continue to advocate and search for Madeline. Sleep, if it comes, is fitful and fleeting. I have to think that the only thing that could come close to what we experience is the stress of combat, day after awful day. Initially, we were so overwrought that we couldn’t bear to look at each other but couldn’t bear to look away. There were no words we could say to comfort each other and we felt alone and frantic. In the days since the family has circled the wagons and gathered from near and across the world. We will find Madeline. This is our mission and we will not falter.
“We’re private people finding ourselves thrust into the national limelight at the most traumatic time in our lives. We don’t see to draw attention to ourselves but, of course, want everyone everywhere to know about Madeline so we can reunite her with her children.
“Members of our family and close friends coordinate closely with law enforcement and send out search teams day after day, every day.
“From time to time and as we see the need we use social media to encourage and inform the large groups of volunteers helping us search for Madeline. We’re overwhelmed by the dedication and tangible expressions of love demonstrated by the huge circle of warriors she unknowingly gathered around her – her sorority sisters, coworkers at Mayo Clinic and other places, fellow students from her days at Winona State, other moms and her many, many friends, acquaintances and people whose lives she’s touched.
“We will continue to search for Madeline. We will not give up and our family will come out the other side of this forever changed but forever grateful for the tireless dedication of so many helpers – friends and relatives, people in law enforcement, other first responders, social workers, case workers, legal professionals, child advocates and many, many more.”
Family of Madeline Kingsbury

Kingsbury has been missing since March 31.

According to Winona Police, Kingsbury returned home with Fravel at around 8:15 a.m. after dropping their kids off at day care.

Investigators say Fravel then left her house in a dark blue Chrysler Town and Country van at around 10 a.m. and he told police that Kingsbury wasn’t there when he returned.

Kingsbury’s phone, wallet and ID were found in her Winona home, according to authorities.

An estimated 2,000 people showed up to help search for Kingsbury last week but authorities have ended those operations in favor of more targeted searches, police said in an update Wednesday afternoon.

Winona police said from Monday through Wednesday, more than 100 law enforcement and public safety personnel searched additional areas based on information officials have received or discovered. They’ve also served several search warrants.

However, authorities haven’t announced any suspect or person of interest.

Police added that they’ve received dozens of tips each day, and they appreciate everyone who has shared information in an effort to help.

In response to questions about Kingsbury’s van, the department said the van has been taken and processed for evidence.

“We have had two goals since we learned Maddi was missing: bring her home and if warranted, hold accountable the person or persons responsible for her disappearance,” Winona police said in a statement. “Releasing certain information about the investigation would jeopardize our ability to achieve these goals. We understand just how much the community wants answers and we are asking everyone to be patient as the investigative process unfolds.”

“We remain confident we will find Maddi and bring her home to her family,” the department added.

Anyone with information about Kingsbury is asked to report information to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip online.