The family that vanished from Pedersöre had lived a notably secluded life according to locals. Many villagers had been concerned for the well-being of the seven children even before the disappearance.
Published: 10/06/25 | 9:47
In the rural community of Lövö which is part of Pedersöre, it’s common for neighbors and even strangers to exchange a wave. But that simple gesture was the only interaction most locals had with the parents of the large family who went missing more than a year ago.
The family that was originally from another country kept to themselves during the approximately 18 months they lived in a rented red wooden house from the 1800s. The property had seen several short-term tenants after its former long-time owner passed away a few years back.
Tom Stenvall, who is a long-time resident of the village lives across the road. He noted how social the village usually is.
“Even though they lived here for over a year I never got to know them,” he said.
Stenvall observed that the family remained almost entirely indoors.
“Even during summer the kids were rarely outside. It was uncommon to see them playing in the yard.”
In addition to the family’s isolated lifestyle, neighbors were puzzled by how little the family seemed to leave their home. There was virtually no sign of outside activity.
Stenvall said he grew particularly concerned in the months leading up to the family’s disappearance in May 2024. During the cold winter ranging between Christmas 2023 and early 2024, temperatures remained extremely low. The house, it appeared, relied mainly on two air-source heat pumps for warmth.
For several weeks there was no sign of life from the house.
“We were all wondering how they were getting food. It was really freezing and for about four or five weeks the car didn’t move from the yard and no one seemed to leave the house,” said Stenvall.
Local resident Heidi Isomäki, who was walking down the village road with her one-year-old son, expressed frustration that public discussion has focused heavily on the children’s homeschooling rather than their lack of social contact.
She recalled that the family’s children were never seen playing with the other children in the area.
“Kids aren’t meant to stay inside all the time. Around here, kids and grandkids are always playing together but theirs never joined in,” said Isomäki.
Neither Stenvall nor Isomäki ever approached the family directly. According to Stenvall, no one from the neighborhood had visited their home.
Isomäki occasionally spotted the two eldest children whom she described as teenagers, going to the mailbox or the trash bins but said she never saw the younger ones.
Though the family had little interaction with the community, residents are still shocked by their disappearance and fear for the children’s welfare.
“It’s hard to grasp that something like this has happened,” said Stenvall.
The police continue to investigate the case. Just last week Ostrobothnia police reported receiving dozens of new leads concerning the family’s possible location.
An international search warrant has also been issued in connection with the case.
