CROMWELL, New Zealand – Authorities in New Zealand continue their search for Antoine Richard, a 21-year-old French rugby player who has been missing since Saturday, March 21st. The search, focused around Cromwell, a town near Queenstown on the South Island, has intensified as concerns grow for Richard’s safety. This developing situation has prompted a widespread appeal for information from the public and a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies.
Richard was last seen around 11:45 PM on March 21st at the Victoria Arms Hotel, located on the corner of Achil Street and Melmore Terrace in Cromwell, according to a statement from New Zealand Police. Surveillance footage shows him walking away from the hotel in the direction of the Lake Dunstan Trail. He was reportedly wearing light-colored knee-length shorts, a black t-shirt, and light grey rubber sandals.
Search Efforts Intensify
The search operation is being led by Cromwell Police, with support from LandSAR (Land Search and Rescue), canine units, the Coastguard, and numerous volunteers. Efforts are concentrated on the Cromwell area, as well as the nearby sectors of Cairnmuir and Bannockburn. Police are conducting both land and water searches, and residents can expect to see increased activity in these areas over the weekend, according to a police statement released on March 24th.
A significant development in the search came with the discovery of a grey rubber sandal on the shore of Lake Dunstan. Police believe the sandal likely belonged to Richard, given the description of his footwear when he was last seen. This discovery has focused search efforts around the lake, but authorities have yet to locate Richard himself.
Family and Police Appeal for Information
The disappearance has understandably caused significant distress for Richard’s family, who reside in Chavanay, in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. They issued a public appeal for help on March 24th via Antoine’s Facebook page, stating they had not heard from him since Saturday midday. They confirmed he was in New Zealand for work.
“The police and the family of Antoine have concerns for his safety and ask anyone with information to come forward,” stated Detective Phill Hamlin of the Cromwell Criminal Investigation Branch. Police are urging residents in the Cromwell area to review any CCTV footage they may have from between 11:45 PM on Saturday, March 21st, and 8:00 AM on Sunday, March 22nd. They are also encouraging residents with security cameras to register them with the Community Cam platform (https://communitycam.co.nz/register.cfm) to assist in the search.
Rugby Community Concerned
Antoine Richard’s involvement in rugby adds another layer to the story. While details regarding the team he played for and the specific match he participated in prior to his disappearance remain limited in publicly available information, the fact that he was actively involved in the sport highlights the broad impact of his disappearance. The rugby community in both France and New Zealand is closely following the developments.
The circumstances surrounding Richard’s disappearance are currently unclear. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring all possible avenues to locate him. The discovery of the sandal near Lake Dunstan suggests he may have been in the vicinity of the water, but the reason for his presence there remains unknown.
How to Help
Anyone with information regarding Antoine Richard’s whereabouts is urged to contact New Zealand Police through their online portal or by phone, referencing file number 260324/5771. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial to the investigation. The police are also requesting that anyone who may have seen a person matching Richard’s description – a young man wearing light-colored shorts, a black t-shirt, and grey sandals – come forward with any information they may have.
The search for Antoine Richard continues, and authorities remain hopeful for his safe return. Updates will be provided as they become available. The next planned search operation is scheduled for the coming days, focusing on a more detailed examination of the Lake Dunstan shoreline and surrounding areas.
This is a developing story. Archysport will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
