Authorities are investigating the mysterious disappearance of 22-year-old Axel, who has been missing since February 22. Nantes prosecutor Antoine Leroy revealed that evidence suggests Axel likely did not leave voluntarily. His family is desperately seeking answers as they raise awareness on social media, noting his last known whereabouts and the absence of financial transactions or communication since his disappearance. This case adds to growing concerns about the safety of young people in Nantes, following previous missing persons incidents.
Authorities Investigate Disturbing Disappearance of Young Man
In a concerning turn of events, authorities have recently located Gaïa, who was reported missing on Sunday, March 9, near Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme). However, another alarming case has emerged that has caught the attention of the Nantes prosecutor’s office. A judicial investigation for kidnapping has been initiated following the unsettling details surrounding the disappearance of 22-year-old Axel, who has not been heard from since February 22. Antoine Leroy, the public prosecutor of Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), announced on Wednesday, March 12, that “various investigations indicate that this young man likely did not leave home voluntarily” last month.
Family Desperately Seeking Answers
In a statement provided to our colleagues from Le Figaro, Leroy noted that “numerous lines of inquiry are currently under consideration, though none have been confirmed as definitive.” He added that the investigations are ongoing and being pursued with urgency, particularly given the peculiar circumstances surrounding Axel’s disappearance. Reports suggest that he had intended to spend a few days in Nantes with family, including his father, before returning to his home in Mans (Sarthe), where he works as a welder and lives with his grandmother.
Axel’s father is understandably distressed, having made numerous attempts to reach out for information. The two cities are approximately two hours apart by highway, and Axel’s vehicle, a gray Peugeot 208 with the registration DS-581-WC, remains unaccounted for. His family has taken to social media to raise awareness, with his cousin sharing details on Facebook about Axel’s appearance at the time of his disappearance. She mentioned that he was “wearing a sweatshirt, pants, and black shoes.” The post emphasized the urgency of finding Axel, noting that he has not been seen or heard from since Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7 PM when he last interacted with his father.
Le Figaro also reported that “no financial transactions have been recorded on Axel’s accounts” since the date of his disappearance, and “there have been no outgoing calls.” Axel’s father expressed his anguish during an interview with Ici Loire Océan, stating, “Since Saturday the 22nd, time has stood still.” He described the initial search efforts as being filled with hope, utilizing social media and flyers, but as time passed without leads, the situation became increasingly dire. “It’s heartbreaking to be engulfed in such uncertainty,” he added, conveying his deep emotional turmoil.
Axel’s mother shared that his younger brother had made a special trip from Paris, highlighting the importance of family bonds. Both siblings were supposed to meet on February 23, which she considered a significant warning sign, further compounded by failed attempts to contact Axel.
This troubling case is not an isolated incident in Nantes. The community still remembers the disappearance of Yann Bougaran, a 24-year-old man, who went missing in April 2023, as well as the tragic recovery of the body of Yuri Diagne from the Loire just two months later. Both incidents have raised concerns about the safety of young individuals in the area, prompting families to take action and raise awareness through posters and social media campaigns.