News Summary
The search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal autistic boy, is ongoing as authorities and volunteers work to locate him. Missing since early August 14, he was last seen on surveillance footage walking alone. The New Orleans Police Department has transferred the case to the Special Victims Division, with community members tirelessly aiding in the search. Described as approximately 5’1″ tall with brown eyes and black hair, his family remains hopeful, urging residents to join the search and check their properties. The urgency of finding Bryan is paramount as efforts continue.
New Orleans – The search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal boy on the autism spectrum, has entered its fifth day as authorities and community volunteers continue to seek him. Bryan went missing in the early hours of August 14, 2025, from his home on Beaucaire Street in the Village De L’Est neighborhood in New Orleans East. He was last captured on doorbell surveillance footage at approximately 5:20 a.m., walking alone while wearing an adult diaper. A subsequent video showed him approaching a house that is not his own before moving on.
The last confirmed sighting of Bryan was at around 6:40 a.m. on Sevres Street, where a discarded diaper belonging to him was found. The urgent search, initially spearheaded by the New Orleans Police Department, has involved coordination with federal and state agencies. However, the active search efforts have since scaled back, and the case has been transferred to the Special Victims Division of the police department.
Over the weekend, specialized search teams used airboats provided by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office to scour waterways, while excavators from the Sewerage & Water Board helped clear marshy areas. Bloodhounds from the Louisiana State Penitentiary were deployed to canvas the area, checking door-to-door for any signs of Bryan. In addition, the community has rallied around the cause, with volunteers dedicating more than 72 hours to the search effort. The United Cajun Navy has joined the search with thermal drones and additional search dogs to broaden the search capabilities.
Described as approximately 5’1″ tall and weighing between 86 to 100 pounds, Bryan has brown eyes and black hair. His mother, Hilda Vasquez, has been actively engaging the community, urging residents to search their backyards, sheds, and check their surveillance cameras for any indications of Bryan’s whereabouts. Despite the anxiety of the situation, Hilda remains hopeful that her son is still alive, acknowledging that his nonverbal condition might hinder his ability to communicate.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of community involvement in the search. They encourage anyone who may have relevant information to reach out to the New Orleans Police Department or to dial 911. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups illustrates the collective commitment to find Bryan and bring him home safely.
This ongoing search underscores the challenges faced by families of children with autism when they go missing. Situations like this can escalate quickly due to the vulnerable nature of nonverbal individuals. Law enforcement is facing an uphill task while navigating both the physical search and the emotional aspects impacting the community and Bryan’s family. The urgency of this case remains paramount as the investigation continues in hopes of a positive outcome.
As more days pass, the community remains vigilant in the hope that Bryan will be found soon. Every effort is being made to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest for answers.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- Fox 8 Live: Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez Last Seen on Neighbor’s Ring Camera
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez Missing
- NOLA: Missing Boy Search for Nonverbal NOLA Child
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Children
- People: Missing Boy with Severe Brain Condition
- 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.
