In a troubling case that has gripped the small town of Vivonne, France, 28-year-old Agathe Hilairet has been missing since Thursday, April 10, 2025, after she went out for a routine jog. The search for the experienced runner has led authorities and community members alike to grapple with the unsettling possibilities surrounding her disappearance.
Agathe, who is described as having a "very thin build" at 1.65 meters tall and weighing only 35 kilograms, left her parents' home around 10:30 AM that Thursday morning. Dressed in a black running short and a dark top, she was last seen with her phone attached to her wrist. When she failed to return home, her father reported her missing later that afternoon, around 3 PM.
The search effort, which involved around 150 personnel including gendarmes, volunteers, and even drones and helicopters, was extensive and thorough. They covered a wide area of 100 square kilometers, primarily focusing on the wooded and isolated regions near Vivonne, located about 20 kilometers south of Poitiers. Despite the significant resources deployed, the search was called off on Saturday evening, April 12, after more than 48 hours without any sign of Agathe.
As the search transitioned to a judicial investigation, authorities began to explore various leads. According to reports from Le Parisien, one of the primary hypotheses is that Agathe may have encountered a suspicious individual in the area. A witness mentioned seeing a person described as "louche" in the vicinity where Agathe was last tracked. Following the appeal for information, about thirty individuals have come forward, and their testimonies are currently being analyzed by investigators.
However, the investigation is not limited to the possibility of a chance encounter. Authorities are also considering other scenarios, including the potential for a medical emergency or even foul play. Cyril Lacombe, the public prosecutor in Poitiers, confirmed that investigators are keeping all options open, including the possibility of a murder that could stem from someone within her circle rather than a stranger.
Agathe's personal struggles have also come to light during the investigation. She has been battling anorexia for over fifteen years and has been open about her mental health challenges on social media. Friends and acquaintances describe her as a sensitive and fragile individual, stating that she had been on sick leave for the past two months due to difficulties at work. A neighbor noted that Agathe appeared to be under stress, and a journal found at her home revealed her struggles with depression.
Despite these challenges, Agathe was an avid runner, well-known in her local running club, Vivonne Loisirs. She regularly engaged in long-distance runs, often covering between 10 to 20 kilometers in her training. Her Strava account shows that she had resumed running in May 2024 after a hiatus and was dedicated to improving her performance.
Community members have expressed their shock and concern over Agathe's disappearance. Rose-Marie Bertaud, the mayor of Vivonne, described the town of 4,500 residents as being in a state of "shock" and "waiting" for news. Residents have rallied together, participating in search efforts and sharing information in hopes of finding Agathe.
As the investigation continues, authorities have conducted multiple interviews with family, friends, and witnesses to gather more information. The last known location of Agathe's phone was identified near "Les Grands Ormeaux" and "Le Champ Salaud" in Voulon, about 10 kilometers from Vivonne. This area is characterized by dense woods and numerous trails, making the search efforts challenging.
While the physical search has been halted, the emotional toll on Agathe's family and the community remains palpable. Many in Vivonne share a sense of helplessness and fear, grappling with the uncertainty of her fate. Local residents have voiced their anxiety over the safety of their community, with one resident commenting on the unsettling feeling that accompanies such an incident in a small town.
As of Sunday, April 13, 2025, the search for Agathe Hilairet has transitioned to a more focused investigation. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in locating her. The community remains hopeful that Agathe will be found safe and sound, but as days pass without news, the anxiety surrounding her disappearance only intensifies.
In the meantime, friends and family continue to hold onto hope, sharing memories of Agathe as a passionate runner and a dedicated individual who has faced her battles with courage. The coming days will be critical for the investigation, as authorities sift through leads and testimonies in hopes of unraveling the mystery of Agathe's disappearance.
