Authorities in the Vienne region are intensifying their search efforts for Agathe Hilairet, a 28-year-old jogger who has been missing since April 10, 2025. Hilairet, an experienced trail runner, vanished after leaving her parents' home in Vivonne for a morning jog around 10:30 AM. Her father raised the alarm when she failed to return, and her phone became unresponsive shortly thereafter.
Initially, search operations covered a vast wooded area of 100 square kilometers, but by Sunday, April 13, the focus narrowed to a more restricted sector of just 3 square kilometers. As of Monday, April 14, approximately 70 additional gendarmes have been deployed to assist the 20 already on the ground, bringing the total number of personnel involved in the search to around 100. This includes specialized canine units working to track Hilairet’s scent.
According to BFMTV, the search has already yielded 90 reports following a public appeal for witnesses issued last Friday. Gendarmes have been combing through the vicinity of Vivonne, a town of 4,500 residents located about 20 kilometers south of Poitiers.
Hilairet is described as having a frail build, standing at 1.65 meters and weighing approximately 35 kilograms. She is known for her athletic prowess, often running distances exceeding 15 to 20 kilometers. Her running club, "Vivonne Loisirs," has confirmed her dedication to the sport, with local officials stating that she is familiar with the area’s trails.
The last known location of Hilairet's phone was near the localities "Les Grands Ormeaux" and "Le Champ Salaud" in Voulon, a town about 10 kilometers from Vivonne. In response to the ongoing search, aquatic surveys were conducted by the nautical brigade from Arcachon, with divers exploring local ponds and waterways.
As the investigation progresses, the Poitiers prosecutor's office announced the opening of a judicial inquiry into the case for kidnapping and sequestration. This shift in the investigation's framework allows for more extensive technical analyses, including DNA testing and potential searches of digital devices. The prosecutor, Cyril Lacombe, emphasized that this approach aims to enhance the resources available for the ongoing search.
In the days leading up to her disappearance, Hilairet had been active on social media, sharing her running achievements and expressing her passion for the sport. She has been open about her struggles with anorexia, a condition she has battled for 14 years, and has used her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. In a heartfelt Instagram post from July 2024, she remarked on her journey with food and recovery, stating, "It has been more than two years since I last ate pasta." This candidness about her health has drawn attention and concern from her followers.
Hilairet is described not only as a dedicated runner but also as a creative individual with a passion for drawing and embroidery. Friends and family have reported her as being vibrant and engaged in her community, often spending weekends with her parents in Vivonne.
The local community has rallied around the search efforts, with many residents expressing their concern and support for Hilairet’s family. The mayor of Vivonne, Rose-Marie Bertaud, noted the collective anxiety felt by the townspeople, stating, "We are all hoping for her safe return. Agathe is well-known and loved here."
As of Monday afternoon, the search continues with heightened urgency, and investigators are following up on leads provided by the public. New interviews with relatives and acquaintances are ongoing, as authorities seek to piece together Hilairet's last movements and any potential witnesses.
With each passing hour, the hope remains that Agathe Hilairet will be found safe. The community stands united, praying for her safe return and supporting her family during this difficult time.
