Tragic discovery of the body of Philippine, aged 19, in the Bois de Boulogne

The lifeless body of Philippine, a 19-year-old student at Paris-Dauphine University, was found on Saturday in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The young woman had disappeared the previous day, Friday 20 September, after leaving her university campus in the afternoon. The Paris public prosecutor’s office quickly opened an investigation into voluntary manslaughter.

Philippine was last seen at around 2pm, after having lunch at the Crous de Paris-Dauphine, located not far from the Bois de Boulogne. She was due to join her family in Yvelines, but never arrived. Worried about her absence, her parents tried to contact her several times without success.

A worrying disappearance reported by her family

Philippine’s sister, very concerned by her silence, went to the police station in the 16th arrondissement of Paris at around 11pm on Friday evening to report her disappearance. The last signal from her mobile phone had been recorded in the Bois de Boulogne area, prompting her family to organise a search party in the area the following day.

On Saturday, at around 3.15pm, Philippine’s family gathered to search the Bois de Boulogne. An hour later, at 4pm, they made a shocking discovery: the young woman’s body had been found buried. The police were immediately alerted, and the body was officially identified late that evening.

An investigation opened for culpable homicide

The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into voluntary manslaughter, which was entrusted to the criminal brigade. The circumstances surrounding Philippine’s death remain unclear, and no arrests have been made at this stage. The authorities are continuing their investigations, based in particular on the geolocation data on her mobile phone.

Shock at Paris-Dauphine University

Philippine’s tragic disappearance has shocked the Paris-Dauphine university community. On Monday, a psychological support unit will be set up at the university to help students and staff deal with the tragedy. A tribute to the young woman will be held at 1.30pm in the main hall, with a minute’s silence organised by her fellow students. There will also be a space for people to leave a message, a testimonial or a flower in memory of Philippine.

In a statement published on Sunday, the university expressed its ‘deep sadness’ and sent its condolences to Philippine’s family and friends, reflecting the shock that this tragedy has caused within the university community.