The body of a 35-year-old homeless man was found Thursday in Reims, likely dead from the cold during Christmas night. He had access to social housing but did not stay there, according to the prosecutor. An investigation is underway to determine the exact causes of death.
In Reims, in the Marne department, a 35-year-old homeless man was found dead on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the day after Christmas. The city's prosecutor's office announced the discovery of the body amid a cold wave affecting northern France. According to François Schneider, Reims prosecutor, the man was a beneficiary of a social housing program but did not reside there. The cold is considered the probable cause of death, which likely occurred during the night of December 24 to 25.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to confirm the circumstances. An investigation into the causes of death has been opened. The deceased was known to authorities for public drunkenness incidents.
This tragedy occurs as sixteen departments in the north and northwest are under yellow "grand froid" alert by Météo-France. The Marne is not affected, though Christmas 2025 is the coldest in France since 2010, not exceptional for the season. Several prefectures have activated the grand froid plan, extending daytime shelter hours and increasing patrols.
In 2024, over 900 homeless people died in France, according to the Les morts de la rue collective, a record since 2012. The Fondation pour le Logement estimates around 350,000 homeless individuals, including 20,000 living on the streets.
