A Portsmouth woman and her young son have been reported missing after a trip to Oakridge, Minnesota, raising concerns among friends and family who say they were unaware of any vacation plans.
Clémence Moreau, 34, a French immigrant who had been living in Portsmouth for several years, and her son Luc, 10, were last seen leaving their apartment complex earlier this month. Friends who had been scheduled to join them for a dinner at their residence grew alarmed when no one answered the door, and calls went unanswered.
Further concerns mounted when Moreau failed to report to work at a local bakery, and Luc did not return to classes at his elementary school. A wellness check by police confirmed the apartment appeared undisturbed, with no signs of a planned extended absence.
"It's like they just vanished," said neighbor Emily Santos, who described Moreau as "friendly, but very private." Few acquaintances in Portsmouth knew of any family members in Minnesota, and authorities have yet to locate a clear contact trail in Oakridge.
Family members in France, reached via international assistance, said they were also unaware of any travel plans to the United States Midwest. "She never spoke of Minnesota to us," said Clémence’s sister, who asked not to be named. "She loved her work and her community."
Local police are coordinating with Minnesota authorities but caution that no signs of foul play have yet been discovered. "We are treating this seriously," said Sgt. Alan Tremblay of the Portsmouth Police Department. "But at this time, we have limited information to work with."
Clémence Moreau is described as 5'6", brown hair, green eyes, and speaks with a noticeable French accent. Luc is approximately 4'5", with light brown hair and glasses. Anyone with information is urged to contact Portsmouth Police.