Unveiling Long-Buried Secrets: Human Remains Discovered in French Home Renovation

In a shocking find, new homeowners in eastern France unearthed the long-missing remains of Aloïs Iffly, who vanished in 2009. Prosecutors are investigating the cause of death and examining evidence that may lead to a resolution of a 15-year mystery.

In a shocking turn of events, new homeowners in Erstroff, a quaint village in eastern France, stumbled upon a haunting mystery while renovating their recently purchased property. Their labor led them to uncover the skeletal remains of Aloïs Iffly, an 81-year-old man who went missing in 2009. The investigation, confirmed by prosecutor Olivier Glady, suggests a tragic scene reminiscent of suicide, with a rope still hanging in the attic where the remains were discovered on November 2nd.

The previous owner’s disappearance had garnered significant attention, remaining a cold case for over 15 years. Iffly’s wife continued to reside in the home after his disappearance until her passing in 2020. The newly acquired property was sold earlier in 2023; the new occupants had been searching for a leak in the roof, leading them to the grim findings tucked away in a rarely accessed attic cubbyhole.

As police delve into the circumstances surrounding Iffly's death, the remains have been transported to Strasbourg for an autopsy that may finally resolve the unanswered questions surrounding this tragic case. Local accounts indicate that extensive searches were conducted for Iffly over the years, yet no clues had been found, creating a cloud of mystery around his fate. The discovery sheds light not only on the tragic loss of life but also underscores the stories that homes can hold beneath their roofs.