Tragic Death of Autistic Boy in New Orleans

New Orleans

A 12-year-old nonverbal autistic boy, Bryan Vasquez, was tragically found dead in a canal in New Orleans following a suspected alligator attack. Bryan went missing from his home on Beaucaire Street early Thursday, August 14, 2025, after reportedly sneaking out of a window shortly after 5 a.m. His body was recovered on August 26, 2025, in the Michoud neighborhood of New Orleans.

The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma from an alligator and drowning. New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick indicated that Bryan likely drowned after the attack, but the exact time of death remains undetermined. The incident has spurred ongoing investigations involving multiple agencies, including the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Details of Bryan’s Disappearance

Security surveillance footage captured Bryan wandering alone around 5:20 a.m., only an hour after he left his home wearing just an adult diaper. His disappearance prompted an extensive search operation that involved volunteers, law enforcement agencies, drones, and underwater searches. The United Cajun Navy played a crucial role in locating Bryan’s body using a drone after days of challenging search conditions.

After Bryan’s body was discovered, wildlife officials were tasked with eradicating “nuisance alligators” from the canal where he was found. This includes a focused effort to enhance the safety of the area against further alligator threats.

Investigation and Community Response

As part of the investigation, the NOPD issued a search warrant for Bryan’s mother, Hilda Vasquez, and confiscated her phone to gather evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding Bryan’s disappearance. Hilda Vasquez has a previous conviction for neglect dating back to 2014, involving Bryan when he was just six months old. This has raised concerns about the care Bryan received.

The NOPD has faced criticism for their delayed response to the family’s report concerning Bryan’s disappearance. It was reported that there was a five-hour delay before authorities began their search efforts, which has prompted an internal investigation to address these concerns. After acknowledging the fault in their response times, the NOPD is working on measures to ensure a quicker reaction in future incidents.

Community Grieving and Support

In the wake of this tragedy, community members, friends, and family have gathered near the recovery site to offer support and participate in prayer sessions as they collectively grieve the loss of Bryan. The emotional impact of this event has rippled through the neighborhood of Village De L’Est, highlighting the community’s concern for the safety of its children and the need for appropriate resources for families with special needs.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The NOPD is currently classifying this case as an unclassified death investigation rather than a typical missing person case. This classification indicates a significant level of scrutiny and investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bryan’s death. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation as Bryan’s family attempts to seek closure in this devastating situation.