News Summary
In a heartbreaking incident, Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old non-verbal boy with autism, was found dead in a lagoon in New Orleans East, 12 days after going missing. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office ruled his death was caused by blunt force trauma and drowning due to an alligator attack. Concerns have been raised about the response time of the New Orleans Police Department, while an ongoing investigation aims to uncover the details surrounding this tragedy. The local community is mourning the loss of Bryan and raising awareness about autism and safety.
New Orleans
In a tragic incident, Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old non-verbal boy with autism, was found dead in a lagoon in New Orleans East on August 26, 2025. His body was discovered 12 days after he was reported missing, marking a deepening tragedy for his family and community.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma caused by an alligator, in addition to drowning. Bryan went missing after reportedly sneaking out of his bedroom window on the morning of August 14, 2025, around 5:20 a.m. Security footage captured him leaving his home wearing only an adult diaper. Following his disappearance, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) confirmed that the case transitioned from a missing juvenile investigation to an unclassified death investigation.
As of now, no individuals have been charged or identified as suspects in connection with Bryan’s death. The ongoing investigation includes a review of all circumstances surrounding the case, with detectives working diligently to uncover the details leading to the tragic event. Concerns have been raised regarding the NOPD’s response time; critics have noted a nearly five-hour delay in addressing the initial missing persons report, prompting Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick to request an internal affairs examination concerning this delay.
Search Efforts and Community Response
The search for Bryan involved numerous volunteers and organizations, including the United Cajun Navy, who assisted in locating him amidst challenging conditions. Following extensive search efforts, a drone team within the organization was responsible for discovering Bryan’s body in the lagoon.
After the incident, emotional gatherings took place near the search area, allowing the community to express their grief and support for Bryan’s family. The outpouring of community response highlights the sorrow felt not only by friends and family but also among many who followed the search closely.
Continued Investigation
In addition to the ongoing efforts of the NOPD, a search warrant has been issued for Bryan’s parents’ cell phones, as investigators seek to gather additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the case. Furthermore, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has been asked to address the presence of “nuisance” alligators in the area, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Bryan’s Background
Bryan Vasquez was known to have a neurodevelopmental condition that affected his ability to communicate in both English and Spanish. These challenges contributed significantly to both the difficulty he faced in seeking help and the concerns of those who loved him. His mother, Hilda Vasquez, has a past legal issue with a previous conviction for cruelty to juveniles, which has drawn additional scrutiny during the investigation into this incident.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the loss of young Bryan Vasquez and the conditions that led to this tragic outcome. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served in this difficult case.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- FOX 8 Live
- WDSU
- NOLA.com
- People
- Wikipedia: Bryan Vasquez
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez missing
- Google Scholar: Bryan Vasquez case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
