Overview

• Sergeant Maxence Roger, a member of the 3rd Marine Paratroopers Infantry Regiment, was on a short-term mission with the 9th Marine Infantry Regiment in French Guiana.
• He went missing during a river patrol at the Mana fluvial post on the night of May 18–19, 2025, and his body was recovered after searches in turbulent waters.
• The French military has classified the death as accidental and launched an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances.
• Operation Harpie, active since 2008, targets illegal gold mining in French Guiana, a mission that involves significant risks due to the remote Amazonian terrain.
• General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, extended condolences to Sergeant Roger’s family, colleagues, and unit.