A lifeless child was recovered from the Lahn River in Weilburg, and police have stated that it is "with very high probability" the missing six-year-old, Pawlos, who had been the subject of an extensive search since March 25, 2025. The tragic discovery was made on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, around 6 PM, when a canoeist alerted authorities after spotting a body near the B456 bridge.
According to a police spokeswoman, the child's death was confirmed by a paramedic who arrived on the scene. "With great sadness, we must announce that today the six-year-old Pawlos, who has been missing since March 25, has been found lifeless," she stated in a joint announcement with Weilburg Mayor Johannes Hanisch (CDU) on social media.
Pawlos, described as having an "autistic disposition," left his special school in Weilburg after lunch on the day of his disappearance without any apparent reason. He was last seen briefly at the train station in the town, after which he vanished. The search for the first-grader involved hundreds of emergency services and volunteers, including the police, fire department, and technical aid organizations. Even a reconnaissance aircraft from the German Armed Forces was deployed in the search efforts.
Mayor Hanisch expressed his condolences, stating, "Today is a day of mourning, but also of farewell to Pawlos. We have certainty that we have found Pawlos. The search can now be concluded." He emphasized that the community's thoughts and support are with Pawlos's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) also expressed his sorrow, saying, "My thoughts are with the relatives of Pawlos, who have been anxious and hopeful during these difficult days." He thanked all the emergency services and citizens who participated in the search for the boy.
The police have announced that further investigations will be conducted in the coming days to clarify the circumstances surrounding Pawlos's death. They are seeking to understand how the child ended up in the river and the events leading up to his disappearance.
On the day of his disappearance, Pawlos was captured on video by a passerby, who noticed him standing on a busy street. The man led him from the road to the sidewalk and called the police to report his observation. However, while the man was on the phone, Pawlos ran away, and the police units that arrived shortly thereafter were unable to locate him.
The search for Pawlos had been ongoing for weeks, with authorities employing various methods to find him, including a nationwide public appeal that utilized thousands of digital displays, particularly at train stations, airports, and highway rest areas. Despite all efforts, the search yielded no significant leads until the tragic discovery of his body.
Weilburg, located on the Lahn River between the Taunus and Westerwald mountains, has a population of approximately 13,000 residents spread over its eleven districts. The community has come together in support of Pawlos's family, mourning the loss of a young boy who touched the lives of many.
As investigations continue, the police have requested respect for the privacy of the family during this heartbreaking time. They have expressed their deepest condolences on behalf of all involved in the search and recovery efforts.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Weilburg is left to grapple with the loss of a child who was cherished and loved. The circumstances of Pawlos's disappearance and subsequent death raise many questions, and as the investigation unfolds, the town hopes to find answers that will bring some closure to this painful chapter.
