83-year-old Dutch man also found dead in France after wife’s body discovered
The 83-year-old Dutch man who had been missing in France was found dead, family officials confirmed Friday. His 80-year-old wife was found dead on Thursday. The couple, from Alphen aan den Rijn, had been missing for several days after leaving for their vacation home in Planchez, about 80 kilometers west of Dijon. Their car was found near the scene.
The couple was reported missing last week after leaving for Planchez but never arrived, according to NOS. Authorities and family members in both the Netherlands and France launched a desperate search.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear. A family spokesperson called it a “tragic coincidence.” Investigators are examining the cause of death, with foul play considered highly unlikely. Additionally, the family said the couple was not mentally impaired.
They were last seen Thursday evening, June 12, near Charleroi, Belgium, at a roadside restaurant. Staff confirmed their presence and recalled Gerda talking about her recent knee surgery and their long marriage. Their granddaughter, Emily Corbeth, described the visit as “typical” of her grandmother, who is usually very sociable.
Several details raised concerns. Corbeth said her grandfather forgot to pay for their meal — behavior out of character — and the restaurant was an unusual stop. Belgian police noted their route through Belgium appeared erratic, as if they were lost.
Corbeth also said the couple’s phones have been off for several days, unusual for them, and that her grandfather did not bring his medication or arrange for neighbors to watch their house or water the plants.
A suspicious 74 euros toll charge at Orange, south of Planchez, raised further questions, as the couple usually avoided toll roads. The family and authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.
