British Teenager Missing Since 2017 Found After 6-Year Odyssey in France's Spiritual Enclave

British teenager missing since 2017 Alex Batty found in France

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Dec 16, 10:11 pm

Photo: (Photo : FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / Getty Images)

In a stunning turn of events, a British teenager missing since 2017 has been discovered after a six-year odyssey in a spiritual enclave in France.

Alex Batty, who vanished at the age of 11 during what was meant to be a two-week family holiday in Spain, was found by a vigilant delivery driver, Fabien Accidini, while walking alone in the rain on a remote French road.

British Teenager Missing Since 2017 Found in France

British and French authorities confirmed on Friday that Alex Batty, now 17, had been missing for six years.

The teenager, accompanied by his mother and grandfather, embarked on a journey that took them through Morocco, Spain, and finally settling in southwest France. The trio lived an off-the-grid life, carrying solar panels, growing their own food, and immersing themselves in a nomadic lifestyle within a spiritual community.

Batty's odyssey took an unexpected turn when, on a rainy Wednesday night, delivery driver Fabien Accidini spotted the missing British teen walking alone on a remote French road.

Accidini, intrigued by the sight of a lone teenager in the dark, offered assistance and ultimately delivered Batty to the safekeeping of French police.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Struggle

The young adventurer revealed to French investigators that he, his mother, and grandfather moved from place to place, living with other families, practicing meditation, and exploring esoteric subjects.

Despite the unconventional lifestyle, authorities refrain from labeling it a 'sect,' as Batty himself refers to it as a 'spiritual community.' Batty's decision to end his roaming came when his mother proposed another move, this time to Finland.

The missing British teen, now 17, realized that the journey needed to stop. He embarked on a solo journey, walking for four nights, resting during the days, and sustaining himself with foraged food. His aim was to reach Toulouse, hoping that authorities there would facilitate his return to the United Kingdom and reunite him with his grandmother, who had custody of him before his disappearance.

Alex Batty Set To Return to His Grandmother in the UK

French prosecutor Antoine Leroy confirmed that Batty and his grandmother would be reunited in the U.K. over the weekend.

The grandmother, Susan Caruana, expressed immense relief upon hearing the news, stating, "I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well."

Batty's mother, Melanie Batty, is believed to have left for Finland, while the grandfather, David Batty, is suspected to have passed away about six months ago. Both are sought by British police in connection with the teenager's disappearance.

After failing to return to the U.K. from their 2017 trip to Spain, the trio spent approximately two years in Morocco before traveling back via Spain to southwestern France. The exact location where they spent the last two years remains unclear, as Batty himself does not have precise details.

Authorities are set to investigate further. The discovery of the missing British teen, Alex Batty, after a prolonged six-year odyssey, brings a mix of astonishment, relief, and anticipation of a long-awaited family reunion.