Agathe Hilairet, a 28-year-old jogger, remains missing two weeks after her disappearance in the Vienne area of France. She vanished on April 10, 2025, after leaving her parents' home in Vivonne for a morning run, a routine she had followed frequently. Despite extensive search efforts, including the mobilization of numerous gendarmes, divers, and helicopters, no trace of her has been found, raising concerns about her safety.
The investigation into her disappearance has been classified as a judicial inquiry for "kidnapping and sequestration," initiated by the Poitiers prosecutor’s office on April 14. As of April 24, 2025, a specialized national investigation unit comprising 21 investigators has been established to oversee the case. This unit includes personnel from various regional gendarmerie units in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the National Investigation Unit based in Paris.
According to the Poitiers prosecutor, Cyril Lacombe, the operational search phase concluded on April 17, after which the focus shifted to judicial investigations. The transition was deemed necessary to enhance the inquiry's resources and capabilities. Since the launch of the witness appeal, approximately 178 reports have been received by the authorities, with 130 interviews conducted to gather information that might lead to Agathe's whereabouts.
The search area has been extensive, covering approximately 100 square kilometers around Vivonne. During the initial search, around 100 gendarmes scoured the area, supported by divers and helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras. Despite these efforts, the search yielded no results, prompting investigators to analyze other avenues.
Investigators are now delving into Agathe Hilairet's personal and professional life, examining her relationships and any potential conflicts she may have faced. Reports indicate that she suffered from anorexia, standing at 1.65 meters and weighing only 35 kilograms, and often ran distances exceeding 15 to 20 kilometers. Those close to her expressed surprise at her disappearance, noting that she was familiar with her usual running routes.
"I didn't have the feeling of seeing someone unhappy; we are all surprised by this disappearance because she knew the course perfectly," a member of her running club stated.
The investigation is leveraging advanced forensic techniques, including the analysis of digital data from Agathe's phone, which stopped transmitting about ten kilometers from her starting point. Investigators are scrutinizing her social media accounts, messaging apps, and phone records to identify any suspicious activity or contacts that could provide clues.
Furthermore, the authorities are examining surveillance footage from nearby areas, including toll booths and gas stations, in hopes of finding any evidence of Agathe's movements after she left her home. The analysis of these videos is critical, as similar methods have previously led to breakthroughs in other missing persons cases.
As the investigation continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant. The gendarmerie has reiterated its call for anyone who may have seen Agathe Hilairet or has any relevant information to come forward. The search for her remains a priority, with specialized teams still deployed to pursue leads and gather evidence.
Despite the lack of tangible results in the search for Agathe, the authorities remain hopeful that new information will emerge. Lacombe emphasized that if any significant leads arise, the search efforts could be reactivated. "We are in a long-term investigation phase. If new elements come to light, it is not excluded that we will return to a search phase on the ground," he stated.
The case has drawn significant media attention, reminiscent of other recent high-profile missing persons cases in France, such as that of Lina, whose body was discovered more than a year after her disappearance. These comparisons highlight the complexities and emotional toll of such investigations, as families and communities grapple with uncertainty and fear.
As the search for Agathe Hilairet continues, the community of Vivonne remains on high alert, with local residents expressing their concern and support for her family. The authorities are committed to leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the missing jogger, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the ongoing mystery.
