On 16 May 2025, several French media outlets, including France 3 Régions and La Dépêche, reported the death of René Benoist de Saint-Ange, one of the oldest living men in France. However, the circumstances surrounding his passing have proven to be deeply unsettling.
René Benoist de Saint-Ange was born in Toulouse in the department of Haute-Gironne, Occitania, on 20 February 1915. His father, a painter and set director at the Théâtre du Capitole, was known by the artist name Amable Benoist de Saint Ange. A street in Toulouse is named after him. On 29 June 1946, at 31, he married Henriette Bröens (8 March 1916 – 17 October 2016). The couple had five children. He worked as a drawing and art history teacher at Ozenne High School in Toulouse.
He was expected to celebrate his 110th birthday in February, and it was widely believed he had. However, according to La Dépêche, concerns arose when his disappearance was reported, prompting a police investigation. His body was later discovered buried in the garden of his home in Toulouse.
On 14 May, after two months on the run, his son was located by authorities. He reportedly confessed to burying his father in accordance with his final wishes. He is now under investigation—not only for failing to report the death but also for continuing to collect his father’s pension in the months that followed.
