News Summary
The remains of Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism who went missing, were confirmed to be from an alligator attack. His body was found in a lagoon after extensive search efforts. The investigation has transitioned to a homicide case amid community concerns over the search response and the presence of alligators in residential areas.
New Orleans, Louisiana – The body of Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism who was reported missing over two weeks ago, has been confirmed as a victim of an alligator attack. His remains were found in a lagoon on August 26, some 200 yards from where he likely entered the water.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma from an alligator attack followed by drowning. Bryan was last seen leaving his home through a bedroom window early in the morning on August 14. Doorbell camera footage captured him walking alone down the street wearing only a diaper around 5:00 a.m.
Efforts to locate Bryan involved extensive searches by local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community volunteers. These efforts included the use of airboats and bloodhounds, but after nearly two weeks, his body was discovered by a thermal drone operated by the United Cajun Navy, which also identified two large alligators in the lagoon.
Authorities estimate that the alligators involved in the attack measured between 6.5 to 11 feet long. In response to the incident, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has requested the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to eradicate nuisance alligators from the area.
Following the confirmation of Bryan’s death, the nature of the investigation has shifted from a missing person case to an unclassified death investigation now managed by the NOPD’s Homicide Division. This transition has occurred amidst scrutiny regarding the NOPD’s response time, which had a nearly five-hour delay after the initial 911 call about the boy’s disappearance.
In addition to the NOPD’s investigation, a search warrant was issued for the phones of Bryan’s parents in order to collect evidence regarding the case. To date, however, there have been no arrests or charges made in connection with the investigation. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has also initiated its own investigation, with the NOPD providing assistance.
Community members have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the investigation and the initial search response, prompting discussions about the procedures involved in missing person cases. There are also plans for a vigil on Thursday night where family and friends are expected to walk from their home to the lagoon in Bryan’s memory.
The tragic incident highlights the complexities surrounding the search for missing persons, especially children with special needs. It also underscores the need for community awareness regarding local wildlife, particularly concerning the presence of alligators in residential areas.
The community continues to grieve the loss of a young boy whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances, and the ongoing investigations aim to provide clarity and answers for his family and loved ones.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Alligator
- Fox News
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez New Orleans
- Live Now Fox
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person
- WDSU
- Google News: Bryan Vasquez Alligator Attack
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Bryan Vasquez case
- PennLive
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
