News Summary
The disappearance of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal boy with autism, has prompted extensive search efforts in New Orleans. After he went missing from his home, community members and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Louisiana State Police, are engaged in a race against time. Concerns grow for Bryan’s safety, especially given the circumstances of his last known sighting and his vulnerable condition. The family advocates for immediate alerts for missing autistic individuals to enhance search efforts.
New Orleans, LA – The search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal boy with autism, has intensified following his disappearance from his home on Beaucaire Street on August 14, 2025. Bryan was last seen around 5 a.m. after reportedly climbing out of his bedroom window. His mother, Hilda Vasquez, became aware of his absence around 10 a.m. and promptly called 911 twenty minutes later.
Despite the urgency of the situation, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) did not respond to the missing child report until approximately 3 p.m., which was five hours after the family sought help. This delay has led to criticism from the family’s spokesperson, who emphasized the critical nature of Bryan’s condition given that he was last seen wearing only an adult diaper.
Surveillance footage captured Bryan at several locations shortly after he left home. At 5:20 a.m., he was seen alone about a block away. Just eight minutes later, he approached a door on Toulon Street, and by 6:30 a.m., he had moved to a location about five blocks away, near a canal. These sightings have raised significant concerns for his safety, as his family fears he could be in danger or that his disappearance may involve foul play.
Community members, including Bryan’s sister Brianna, are actively participating in the search, which has included ground, air, and water operations. The volunteer efforts have seen the support of various agencies, including the Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, and Homeland Security. Cadaver dogs, drones, and local volunteers have been integral to the search efforts, especially around waterways near the locations where Bryan was last sighted.
A recent development in the case included the discovery of a discarded adult diaper near Bryan’s last recorded location. This finding indicates his possible path and has spurred search teams to intensify their efforts in those areas. Local officials have also been taking proactive measures by clearing aquatic plants and debris from canals to facilitate better search conditions.
In addition to physical search efforts, family members and community volunteers are urging local residents to check their properties, including yards and sheds, for any signs of Bryan. The family’s determination remains strong as they vow to continue searching tirelessly until he is found.
Amidst these search efforts, concerns are mounting over the lack of immediate alerts for missing children with autism. The family and advocates have called for more awareness and the issuance of alerts similar to AMBER Alerts, which could expedite search efforts in cases involving vulnerable individuals like Bryan.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information related to Bryan’s whereabouts by calling 911 or the NOPD. Despite the critical nature of the situation and the urgent search operations taking place, the family expresses hope that they will soon locate Bryan and bring him home safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Intensifies for Missing Autistic Boy in New Orleans
Search Ongoing for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Continues for Missing Autistic Boy in New Orleans
Search Efforts Intensify for Missing New Orleans Boy
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
- Fox 8 Live: Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WWLTV: Family Calls for Action
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez Missing
- NOLA: Bryan Vasquez Missing Boy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person
- WWLTV: Search Efforts for Bryan Vasquez
- Google News: Bryan Vasquez
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.
