The search for missing 21-year-old French national Antoine Richard is continuing, after he was reported missing in Cromwell last weekend.
Antoine was last seen around 11:45pm on Saturday 21 March at the Victoria Arms Hotel.
Further appeal for sightings or information
Police are appealing to residents in Cromwell to check their properties if they have not done so already, as well as review any CCTV footage from Saturday 21 March 11.45pm onwards.
“If you have relevant footage, register your camera system with Community Cam to help with our search for Antoine”, said Detective Phill Hamlin.
“We’re also wanting to hear from anybody who may have seen anyone matching Antoine’s description either hitchhiking or walking in Cromwell in the early hours of Sunday 22 March.
Large number of search teams assisting
Searches have been conducted by a large and dedicated team of LandSAR members from throughout the Otago and Southland area, Police, Coastguard and many members of the community.
“We remain dedicated and focused on locating Antoine.
“The Police National Dive Squad will also assist efforts by searching areas of Lake Dunstan.
“Search teams located a grey rubber Croc branded sandal from the shore of Lake Dunstan and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen somebody wearing the pictured footwear, or if anyone locates a sandal like the one pictured.
“Police would like to thank the Cromwell community for their unwavering support and assistance.”
Anyone who has seen Antoine, or has information regarding his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online at police.govt.nz/use-105 and selecting “Update Report”.
Please reference file number 260324/5771.
Statement on behalf of Antoine’s family
We are the family of Antoine Richard, who has been missing since Saturday, March 21st. That day, after playing a rugby match with the Cromwell rugby team, he went to the Victoria Arms Hotel at 11:30 PM, the last identified location before his disappearance.
The venue’s cameras show him leaving around midnight. He was wearing a black T-shirt, light denim shorts, and Crocs.
We have had no news from him since.
An enormous amount of work has already been carried out by the Police, the Search and Rescue team, Carrick winery where he worked, his friends, the Cromwell Rugby Team, local residents, and everyone who has taken part in the search. We are infinitely grateful to them.
You may have already been involved in the search efforts, but we still need your help:
- If you find a Croc shoe matching the photo attached, please contact the Police.
- If you or someone you know owns a property in Cromwell, please check your surroundings, gardens, and outbuildings.
- If you have a security camera, please review the footage from after 11:30pm on March 22nd 2026.
- If you or someone you know saw or gave a lift to anyone matching Antoine’s description in the early hours of March 22nd, please contact the police.
- We have been devastated with worry since we heard the news. We are writing on behalf of his entire family, his friends, his colleagues in France and New Zealand, and all the people he loves, in the hope of finding him as soon as possible.
Thank you so very much in advance.
Hervé, Marithé, Claudine, Elise, Noémie, Valentin and Corentin.
Update at 7.27pm this evening
A body has been located in Lake Dunstan, near Cromwell, this afternoon.
Police were notified by a member of the public who was near Cornish Point about 2.35pm.
“While the formal identification process is yet to be completed, it is believed to be the 21-year-old man reported missing from Cromwell”, said Detective Phill Hamlin.
“The death will be referred to the Coroner.
“The community support and search efforts have been extremely appreciated.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”
