In a tragic turn of events, the lifeless body of six-year-old Pawlos was recovered from the Lahn River in Weilburg on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. This discovery brings a somber end to a nearly month-long search for the child, who had been missing since March 25, 2025, after leaving his special needs school following lunch.
The boy’s body was found by a canoeist near the crossing of the B456 federal highway over the river, prompting immediate action from emergency services. Police confirmed that a paramedic could only declare the child dead upon arrival at the scene. Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein expressed his condolences, stating, "The news of little Pawlos' death makes me sad," and thanked all the helpers involved in the search.
Pawlos had been the focus of extensive search efforts involving hundreds of personnel from police, fire departments, and aid organizations, including the German Red Cross and the Technical Relief Agency. The search was comprehensive, utilizing a Bundeswehr reconnaissance aircraft to provide aerial imagery and sonar boats, along with specially trained search dogs and divers to comb the waters of the Lahn.
The search began after Pawlos was reported missing almost four weeks ago. His disappearance was noticed within minutes, and he was last seen briefly at the train station in Weilburg. Concerns were raised early on that the boy, who is described as being on the autism spectrum, might have been attracted to the glittering water of the river.
One significant lead in the case was a dashcam video that captured a man leading a child away from the busy Limburger Straße on the day of Pawlos’ disappearance. The police confirmed that the boy in the video was indeed Pawlos. The man had noticed the child wandering near the road and had called the police while attempting to keep him safe. However, before the authorities arrived, Pawlos ran away, and he could not be located despite the immediate response from the police.
Weilburg's Mayor Johannes Hanisch noted the emotional toll Pawlos’ disappearance had on the community, stating, "All of Weilburg is still searching." He emphasized the city's determination to find the boy, with search efforts that turned the entire area upside down. The case had captured the attention of the nation, with posters and public appeals for information displayed across various platforms, including train stations and highways.
As the investigation continues, forensic specialists and criminal police will be working to clarify the circumstances surrounding Pawlos' death. While the body recovered is highly likely to be that of the missing boy, official confirmation will depend on further examinations.
This heartbreaking incident has drawn parallels to previous cases, notably the disappearance of another autistic child, six-year-old Arian from Bremervörde, who went missing in April 2024. Arian's case also ended tragically, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by children on the autism spectrum.
The community of Weilburg, which has a population of around 13,000, has been deeply affected by the news. Many residents participated in the search efforts, and the emotional weight of Pawlos’ disappearance has resonated throughout the region. As the search concludes, the focus now shifts to providing support for Pawlos’ family during this incredibly difficult time.
In light of this tragedy, discussions are likely to arise about the safety and supervision of children, particularly those with special needs. The circumstances of Pawlos’ disappearance and the response from the community will serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the collective responsibility to ensure the safety of all children.
As the days unfold, the loss of Pawlos will be felt not only by his family but also by the entire community that rallied together in hope and despair. The search for answers continues, as does the mourning for a young life taken too soon.
