Nearly two weeks after he went missing, the body of Bryan Vasquez has been found in New Orleans. The boy, who was nonverbal due to a severe brain condition, left his home through a window and was later found drowned in a nearby lagoon. His family had recently moved into a new home, and his mother hadn’t put their normal security measures in place yet.
This allowed the boy, who was known to attempt escaping the house, to get out. Police asked neighbors to check any security footage to see if there were any leads, and he was seen wearing nothing but an adult diaper.
The body of 12-year-old Vasquez was found on August 26, 2025, after a “thermal drone picked up a heat signature” and “found human remains out in the marsh,” United Cajun Navy Vice President and spokesperson Brian Trascher told People. Once the discovery was made, the nonprofit volunteer organization sent coordinates to police for recovery. Police confirmed later that day that the body belonged to the missing boy.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick gave a press conference about the discovery, WVUE reported. She confirmed that the United Cajun Navy’s drone located the boy’s body about 200 yards into the marsh. The body of water was not far from where Vasquez was originally reported missing.
During the press conference, Kirkpatrick also noted that she had been in contact with the boy’s family. “I have personally spoken to the mother and extended our apologies, as well as our condolences,” she said.
Kirkpatrick also addressed the five-hour delay in beginning the search for the boy. According to NOPD records, the initial call about Vasquez going missing was placed around 10 a.m., WDSU reported. Police didn’t respond to the call until 3 p.m. The family was critical about the response time, a representative said.
“We know that we had a five-hour delay,” Kirkpatrick said, noting authorities had opened an internal investigation into what happened. “I have never shied away from difficult situations, or difficult topics, or difficult questions. And I plan to answer all questions, but we must have facts in context before I know fully what actually happened.”
An investigation into the boy’s disappearance and death are currently “unclassified,” Kirkpatrick said. The investigation is ongoing. She added that foul play isn’t being ruled out.
It is believed the boy died after suffering blunt force trauma from an alligator, then drowning, NBC News reported. An official cause of death has yet to be determined. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will be performing an autopsy to find out.
“The City of New Orleans is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan Vasquez, a beloved child whose life, though far too short, left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community,” the City of New Orleans noted in a statement shared by WDSU.
“Bryan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him, and his light will continue to shine as a reminder of resilience, innocence, and love.” the statement concluded. “May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”
