A 28-year-old jogger named Agathe Hilairet has been missing since Thursday morning, April 10, 2025, after she left her parents' home in Vivonne, a town in the Vienne department of France, to go for a run. Her disappearance has sparked a significant search operation involving hundreds of emergency personnel and volunteers, raising concerns among local residents.
Agathe set out for her jog around 10:30 AM on Thursday, wearing a jogging outfit that included black shorts and a dark short-sleeved top. She was also carrying a running bag and had her hair tied up. Her father raised the alarm later that day when she failed to return home and could not be reached by phone, prompting him to notify the gendarmes in the early afternoon.
According to Cyril Lacombe, the prosecutor of Poitiers, an investigation for "disturbing disappearance" has been launched. Lacombe stated, "All avenues are being explored to find this young woman. A call for witnesses has been issued." The gendarmerie has released details about Agathe, noting her frail build—standing at 1.65 meters tall and weighing around 35 kg—and has asked anyone with information to come forward.
The search operation is extensive, with over 110 gendarmes, around 50 firefighters, and 30 soldiers from the marine infantry tank regiment mobilized to assist in the efforts. They are supported by helicopters, drones, and specialized teams, including divers and canine units. The search is focused on a wide area that includes the towns of Vivonne, Voulon, Celle-Lévescault, and Gençay, covering a vast terrain of wooded and agricultural land.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the search efforts intensified, with authorities deploying additional resources. Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "We have mobilized a lot of resources, and the searches are very, very active." He assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in the quest to locate Agathe.
As the search progressed, it was revealed that Agathe's cell phone was last detected on Thursday afternoon within a radius of 250 meters between the locations known as Les Grands Ormeaux and Le Champ Salaud, near Voulon. This information has been crucial in directing search efforts, as it provides a potential area where she may have gone missing.
Rose-Marie Bertaud, the mayor of Vivonne, expressed her concern for Agathe and the emotional toll the situation has taken on the community. "We have set up a command post to coordinate the search efforts, and the community is deeply affected by this incident. We all hope for her safe return," she stated. Bertaud also mentioned that local residents have been actively participating in the search, with members of Agathe's running club joining the efforts.
Residents of Vivonne have shared their memories of Agathe, describing her as a dedicated runner who often trains in the surrounding countryside. One local resident recalled seeing Agathe just before she left for her jog, noting her enthusiasm for running. "I saw her the day before she went missing. She looked happy and was eager to go for her run. I hope she’s safe," the resident said.
The call for witnesses has been broadcast widely, urging anyone who may have seen Agathe or has any information about her whereabouts to contact the Vivonne gendarmerie at 05 49 43 41 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to exploring all possibilities to locate her.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome. The situation has brought residents together, with many volunteering their time and resources to aid in the search. The emotional weight of Agathe's disappearance is palpable, and the authorities are determined to bring her home safely.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new information emerges. Families and friends are anxiously awaiting news, praying for Agathe's safe return.
