News Summary

The community in New Orleans is reeling from the tragic death of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, whose body was found in a lagoon after a nearly two-week search. Authorities believe his death resulted from a possible alligator attack, prompting an investigation and concerns about safety measures regarding wildlife in residential areas. The New Orleans Police Department has shifted the case into an unclassified death investigation while scrutiny on their response time continues to grow. City officials and community members alike are expressing their grief and calling for better protective measures in the face of such a heartbreaking incident.

New Orleans

A 12-year-old boy, Bryan Vasquez, was found dead in a lagoon in New Orleans East on August 26, 2025, leading to an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma consistent with an alligator attack and subsequent drowning.

Bryan went missing on August 14 after leaving his home through a bedroom window around 5 a.m. Security footage captured him walking alone in a diaper shortly after he left his residence. A search for Bryan lasting nearly two weeks involved multiple agencies and community volunteers, utilizing various methods such as drones and cadaver dogs.

On August 26, Bryan’s body was discovered approximately 200 yards from the area where the search initially commenced. The body was located by a drone operated by the volunteer group known as the United Cajun Navy.

New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has confirmed the transition from a missing person case to an unclassified death investigation. The NOPD has reached out to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, urging the eradication of nuisance alligators in the lagoon area where Bryan was found. The investigation into his death remains active, with the NOPD continuing to pursue leads and solicit community input.

A search warrant has also been issued for the cell phones of Bryan’s parents as part of the ongoing investigation. Thus far, there have been no arrests or charges filed against Bryan’s family members. However, the case has drawn scrutiny regarding the police’s response time, as it has been noted that there was a five-hour delay between when Bryan was reported missing and when officers arrived on site. Kirkpatrick has acknowledged this delay as being inordinate and stated it will be reviewed.

Additionally, the Department of Children and Family Services is conducting its own investigation into Bryan’s family due to a documented history of prior allegations against his mother, Hilda Vasquez, involving child cruelty charges in 2014. Hilda has expressed profound grief over the loss of her son and criticized the delayed police response during the search.

City officials have described Bryan as a “bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy,” emphasizing the profound impact his loss has on the community. The search for Bryan faced significant challenges due to dense vegetation in the area, complicating the efforts of search teams.

This tragic incident has sparked widespread concern and discussions about community safety measures, particularly in relation to wildlife interactions in residential areas. As the investigation continues, authorities are gathering information to understand better the circumstances leading to Bryan’s unfortunate death.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Investigation Underway After Body of Missing Boy Found in New Orleans
Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing Boy Found in New Orleans
NOPD Opens Investigation After Body of Missing 12-Year-Old Found
Tragic Discovery of Missing Boy in New Orleans Lagoon
Today’s Top New Orleans News: What to Know
Urgent Search Continues for Missing Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Underway for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Urgent Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans

Additional Resources

• WDSU: Bryan Vasquez Cause of Death
• Wikipedia: Bryan Vasquez
• CBS News: Bryan Vasquez Case
• Google Search: Bryan Vasquez New Orleans incident
• NBC News: Missing New Orleans Boy
• Google Scholar: Bryan Vasquez alligator attack
• NOLA: Bryan Vasquez Coroner Report
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alligator Attacks

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.