Body Of Missing Nantes Man Found In Loire River

A lifeless body was discovered on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in the Loire near Indre, a commune close to Nantes. The body was identified as that of 22-year-old Axel Pietrain, who had been missing since February 22, 2025. The discovery was made by paddleboarders, who alerted authorities after spotting the body floating in the river.

Antoine Leroy, the prosecutor of Nantes, confirmed the identification of the body on Friday, April 4, stating, "The autopsy of the body discovered allowed for a DNA comparison, which confirmed that it was indeed the body of young Axel Pietrain." This tragic turn of events has left Axel's family and friends searching for answers.

Axel's family had not heard from him since the evening of February 22. He was at his father's home in Nantes when he disappeared. His father reported his son missing to the Nantes police on February 25, explaining that Axel had left home around 7 p.m. that Saturday and had not responded to any messages or calls from family or friends since then. Furthermore, he did not show up for work on Monday, February 24.

In the days following his disappearance, one of Axel's three phones was discovered in a public parking lot, raising further concerns among his loved ones. Despite these alarming signs, no bank activity was detected on his accounts, and his car was also missing. Due to these circumstances, the Nantes prosecutor's office initiated a procedure for a disturbing disappearance.

On March 7, a judicial investigation was opened against X, with a judge from Nantes assigned to investigate the possibility of kidnapping and sequestration. The investigation was taken over by the Nantes police judicial services, who continued to follow up on leads.

As the investigation progressed, the search for Axel intensified, but it would take nearly a month before the tragic discovery was made. On March 29, two paddleboarders spotted the body in the river, prompting a response from emergency services. The gendarmes and multiple rescue vehicles arrived at the scene around 5:30 p.m. and worked to recover the body from the water.

Authorities noted that while there were no identification documents found on the body, one of Axel's phones was located in his clothing, aiding in the identification process. Leroy stated, "The complete autopsy results will be sent to the investigating judge in the coming days," indicating that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Axel's death would continue.

In the wake of Axel's disappearance and subsequent death, his family has expressed their grief and frustration over the lack of answers. They have been vocal about their desire for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind Axel's disappearance. Leroy emphasized that investigations are ongoing, stating, "The investigations continue within the framework of this judicial information."

As the community grapples with this tragedy, many are left wondering how a young man could vanish without a trace. Axel was described by friends and family as a hardworking individual, employed as a welder in Sarthe. His sudden disappearance and the circumstances surrounding it have raised numerous questions.

The case has garnered significant attention in Nantes and beyond, with many locals expressing their condolences to Axel's family and hoping for justice. The investigation, which has been characterized by its complexity, continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to Axel's disappearance.

The Nantes prosecutor's office is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. As the investigation deepens, the hope remains that answers will be found, providing some closure to a family that has endured unimaginable pain.

In a time of mourning, the community has rallied around Axel's family, offering support and solidarity. The loss of a young life has left a profound impact, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of looking out for one another.

As the days pass, the search for answers continues, with the promise that Axel's story will not be forgotten. His family and friends are determined to seek justice and uncover the truth behind his tragic fate.