The body of 28-year-old Agathe Hilairet, who disappeared while jogging in Vivonne, France, was discovered on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in a wooded area outside the initial search zones. Hilairet, an experienced runner, went missing on April 10, prompting a massive search operation involving over 100 gendarmes, helicopters, and dogs.
According to the Poitiers prosecutor's office, her body was found by a passerby in undergrowth south of Vivonne, a town located about 20 kilometers from Poitiers. Cyril Lacombe, the public prosecutor, stated that an autopsy conducted on May 5 did not reveal the cause of death, and further analyses are currently underway. "The autopsy performed today has not allowed us to determine, at this stage, the causes of death. Several complementary analyses are ongoing to continue the investigations," Lacombe said in a statement.
Agathe Hilairet was last seen leaving her parents' home on the morning of April 10, around 10:30 AM, to go for a run. Her father raised the alarm when she failed to return, and her phone ceased to function in a wooded area shortly after she began her jog. Initially, a judicial investigation for disturbing disappearance was opened, but it was escalated to a case of kidnapping and sequestration on April 14.
The search operation for Hilairet was extensive, covering a 100 square kilometer area where she frequently ran. It involved the mobilization of 110 gendarmes, supported by drones, helicopters, and a canine unit. Despite these efforts, the search was called off on April 17 after a week of intensive efforts, during which nearly 180 reports were received by investigators.
In the days following her disappearance, investigators gathered 215 witness statements and nearly 900 testimonies. Hilairet was known to be a dedicated athlete, describing her passion for running on the fitness app Strava, where she often shared her running statistics. She had been running since the age of 17 and was accustomed to covering distances of 15 to 20 kilometers.
Friends and family described her as a motivated individual with significant goals in her running career. A member of her running club, Vivonne Loisirs, remarked on her dedication, stating, "I didn’t get the feeling that she was unhappy; we are all surprised by this disappearance as she knew the route perfectly." However, a neighbor mentioned that Hilairet had been on sick leave for two months prior to her disappearance.
As the investigation progressed, various theories were considered. Initially, the possibility of suicide was mentioned, but this was quickly dismissed by investigators after reviewing her diary, which did not indicate any suicidal thoughts. Instead, they began to focus on the idea of a potential bad encounter or an accident. Lacombe mentioned that all hypotheses remain open at this stage, including the possibility of foul play.
Given the state of the body upon discovery, forensic experts face challenges in determining the cause of death. The decomposition process, which had advanced significantly over the three weeks since her death, complicates the identification of any injuries or signs of trauma. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to the elements can all affect the condition of the body and the ability to perform conclusive toxicological tests.
As the investigation continues, many in the community express their desire for answers. "We would like to know why she died; we all want to know," said a local resident. The questions surrounding Hilairet's death remain unanswered, and investigators are working diligently to uncover the circumstances leading to her tragic end.
As of now, the public prosecutor's office has stated that they are awaiting further results from forensic analyses, including toxicology tests and examinations of insects found on the body. These investigations are crucial in piecing together the events that led to Hilairet's disappearance and subsequent death.
Agathe Hilairet's case highlights the risks faced by runners and the importance of community vigilance and support in times of crisis. As the search for answers continues, her family and friends hold onto hope for clarity regarding her untimely passing.
