Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez Died From Alligator Attack and Drowning, Officials Say

 

What began as a desperate search for a missing child has ended in tragedy, with city officials confirming that 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez died from blunt force trauma caused by an alligator, followed by drowning, according to officials.

The Orleans Parish Coroner released the findings Wednesday, nearly two weeks after Bryan wandered away from his family’s home on Sevres Street in the early morning of Aug. 14.

The boy, who had autism and was nonverbal, was seen on a neighbor’s camera wandering in a diaper just before sunrise. His disappearance set off a round-the-clock search by police, volunteers, and neighbors that lasted 12 days.

On Aug. 26, volunteers with the United Cajun Navy discovered Bryan’s body in a marshy lagoon roughly 200 yards from where he was last seen. A thermal drone guided rescuers to the site.

"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," the City of New Orleans said in a press release. "Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community."

The city thanked the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), the Cajun Navy, and all agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search and supported the Vasquez family.

"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 city said. "May he rest in God’s eternal peace."

During the search, criticism mounted regarding the NOPD’s delayed response. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that nearly five hours passed between the call reporting the boy missing and officers’ arrival. Kirkpatrick said the police department has launched an internal investigation into the lapse.

Bryan’s mother, Hilda Vasquez, told The New Orleans Advocate/The Times-Picayune that her son frequently wandered off to a nearby playground. She also said the family had recently relocated to a new home and had not yet installed the safety features that were in their previous home.

Officials said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are working in the area to address nuisance alligators. Louisiana, along with Florida, has the most alligators in the nation. It is home to over 2 million wild alligators, and the state typically removes more than a thousand nuisance alligators each year.