On Sunday evening, April 20, 2025, the lifeless body of a child was recovered from the Lahn River near Weilburg, leading authorities to believe it is likely that of 6-year-old Pawlos, who had been missing since March 25, 2025. The tragic discovery came after extensive searches and community efforts to locate the autistic boy, who vanished from his special school in Weilburg just weeks earlier.
Pawlos was last seen after leaving school for lunch on March 25. His disappearance prompted a massive search operation involving up to 600 emergency personnel, including police, firefighters, and volunteers from various organizations. Despite their efforts, which included the deployment of a reconnaissance aircraft from the Bundeswehr, the search yielded no results until the body was found.
According to police reports, a canoeist alerted authorities around 6 PM after spotting the body near a B456 overpass. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but a doctor could only confirm the child's death. The police have stated that the body is "with very high probability" that of Pawlos.
In a joint statement on social media, a police spokeswoman and Weilburg's mayor, Johannes Hanisch, expressed their condolences to the family. "Today is a day of mourning, but also of farewell to Pawlos. We have certainty that we found Pawlos. The search can be officially concluded," Hanisch said.
The mayor's remarks reflected the deep sorrow felt by the community, which had rallied together in hopes of finding the boy alive. Many residents participated in search efforts, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and compassion for the family during this harrowing time.
Authorities have announced that further investigations will be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding Pawlos's death. The police have indicated that they do not suspect foul play but are keen to understand how the young boy ended up in the river.
Before his disappearance, Pawlos had been described as having an "autistic disposition," which may have contributed to the challenges he faced. His disappearance drew significant media attention, and posters were distributed nationwide in the hopes of finding him. A video surfaced during the search that allegedly showed Pawlos on a busy street, being led away by a passerby. Police have spoken with the individual in the video but have not released further details about the encounter.
As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, the mayor and local officials have urged respect for the family's privacy as they grieve. "In these difficult hours, our thoughts, our compassion, and every strength we can send are with his family, his relatives, and his friends," Hanisch stated.
The tragic fate of Pawlos has resonated deeply, not only within Weilburg but also across the region, as many reflect on the importance of vigilance and support for vulnerable individuals in the community. The loss of such a young life has sparked conversations about the need for comprehensive support systems for children with special needs and their families.
In the coming days, investigators will work diligently to piece together the timeline of events leading up to Pawlos's disappearance and ultimate fate. The community remains hopeful that answers will emerge, providing some semblance of closure for the family and friends of the young boy.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that a single loss can have on a community. As Weilburg mourns the loss of Pawlos, it also looks to the future, seeking ways to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
