Woman who vanished without a trace found on Google Maps Street View two years later

An 83-year-old woman named Paulette, who disappeared without a trace, was discovered through Google Maps two years after she went missing in Andenne, Belgium.  

Paulette suffered from Alzheimer’s disease—a condition that impairs memory, thinking, and daily functioning—required constant care. Her sole caregiver, Marcel Taret, often helped her with eating, taking medications, and ensuring her safety. At times, she would wander off, and Marcel would bring her back home.  

According to podcaster Mr. Ballen, on November 2, 2020, Marcel left Paulette alone briefly to hang laundry, assuming she would be content watching her favorite show with lunch. However, when he returned, she was gone.  

Marcel searched his house, yard, and even nearby neighbors’ homes, but there was no sign of Paulette. He immediately called the police, prompting a large search operation, including rescue teams and helicopters. Despite Marcel’s hopes, days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, with no leads on her whereabouts.  

“Paulette needed help remembering to eat or to take her medications on time,” he said. “Sometimes she would just wander off without telling Marcel and he would have to go and corral her and bring her back home.” He said in a part 

Two years later, a Google Maps Street View car captured an image of Paulette walking across the street near her home, with Marcel in the background pegging laundry. Investigators used this image to trace her final route.  

It was discovered that Paulette had wandered down a steep hill across the street from her home, leading to a dense bramble bush. Tragically, her body was found at the base of the hill.  

Mr Ballen explained: “Across the street was a steep hill that led down to a thick bramble bush.” 

 “She didn’t understand what was going on couldn’t necessarily yell up to communicate with anybody and so she stayed down there and died.”