New Orleans, La. – A tragic discovery has brought heartbreaking closure to the search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal boy whose disappearance earlier this month sparked a citywide search. Officials say he drowned after suffering blunt force trauma from an alligator attack in the city’s Michoud neighborhood.
Body Recovered in Lagoon
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed Wednesday that Vasquez’s body was found in a lagoon in Michoud. The investigation into his death remains “unclassified,” and officials say more details will be released as evidence is processed.
“Something’s not right here,” Kirkpatrick said of the events surrounding Vasquez’s disappearance and death.
Timeline of Disappearance
Vasquez was last seen around 5 a.m. on Aug. 14, after leaving his bedroom window, according to family members. Less than an hour later, security video showed him wandering nearby wearing only an adult diaper.
The family described him as having a neurodevelopmental condition and being unable to understand English or Spanish, which complicated the search effort.
911 Response Under Scrutiny
The case has drawn criticism after it was revealed that authorities did not respond to a 911 call for five hours following Vasquez’s disappearance. Kirkpatrick said she immediately ordered an internal affairs investigation into the delay.
“It wasn’t clear what caused the delay,” Kirkpatrick admitted. “But I asked for an investigation right away.”
Search Efforts and Recovery
The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer emergency response group, played a key role in the search. The organization used drones to help locate Vasquez’s body after several days of stalled efforts due to challenging conditions.
“Despite the grim circumstances, we were able to bring Bryan home,” a group official said.
Family Investigation
Authorities have also obtained search warrants for the cell phones of Vasquez’s parents, though police say this step is routine and does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing.
“It may mean nothing,” Kirkpatrick noted, emphasizing that investigators must “look at everything.”
Conclusion
The discovery of Bryan Vasquez’s body and confirmation of an alligator attack add a devastating layer to an already tragic case. As officials continue investigating both his death and the delayed police response, the New Orleans community is left mourning the loss of a vulnerable child whose disappearance rattled the city.
What do you think about the five-hour 911 response delay in this case? Share your views in the comments below.
