“We found my brother”. In Thierry Erard's voice this Tuesday, the relief is palpable, as is the joy. Missing since November 6, Michael Erard, a 50-year-old Exincourtois, has returned home to the delight of his family.
Disappeared after a heated discussion
He had left the home of his 83-year-old mother where he lived, leaving his cell phone on the table: “I live in Reunion. I returned to the Doubs for a few days. We had a heated discussion. He left on foot after slamming the door. We have no further news, he vanished into the wild and is not customary to do so,” recounted Thierry, the eldest who broadcast calls for witnesses and undertook numerous searches.
A report had been made to the police. “His disappearance may be voluntary but I am very worried. Where does Michael sleep? The nights are cold. I fear for his health. He is fragile, unemployed,” he continued.
Found in a squat
A call on Sunday dispelled the anxiety of those close to Exincourtois. It came from the gendarmes of Marseillan (in Hérault) who had found Michael. “My brother found refuge in a squat in Vias. He was taken to Sète hospital to regain strength and warm up. He gave my phone number to the emergency services. As soon as I found out, I took the first train and went to look for him. We spent the night outside because all the hotel rooms in town were booked but we were together and that's the main thing. We talked a lot. We returned to Franche-Comté in the early morning, at 5:30 a.m., with the first train.”
On Monday, Simone Erard, the mother, was able to hug her son, she who had lost her husband Michel at the beginning of the year. “My brother lost 15 kilos, he covered 800 km on foot and hitchhiked a bit. He told us that he needed to get away, get some fresh air and a little distance. We understand, we don’t judge.”
“It’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.”
For New Year’s Eve, the whole family is gathered: “We celebrate our reunion, we are happy. It’s the best Christmas present I’ve had, albeit a little late,” jokes Thierry Erard.
