New Orleans, Louisiana — The tragic case of a missing 12-year-old boy with autism has concluded in heartbreak, as authorities confirmed that the boy likely became a victim of an alligator attack. After nearly two weeks of extensive searching, Bryan Vasquez’s body was discovered in a canal on Tuesday.

Bryan was reported missing on August 14, after he fled through a bedroom window in the Village De L’East neighborhood. The New Orleans Police Department noted that surveillance footage captured him alone and wearing only a diaper as he wandered down the street just after 5 a.m. His disappearance sparked a significant search effort, involving various agencies, volunteers, airboats, and even bloodhounds.

An investigation into Bryan’s death has shifted from a search for a missing child to a homicide inquiry. According to representative sources, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has determined that the cause of death was drowning compounded by blunt force trauma consistent with an alligator attack. Despite these findings, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives diligently following every lead.

Bryan’s mother, Hilda Vasquez, shared with local media that her son often enjoyed heading to a nearby playground, frequently venturing away from home. The family’s recent move seemed to have disrupted his usual routine. Criticism has arisen regarding the police’s initial response time, with reports suggesting a nearly five-hour delay from when Bryan was reported missing to when officers arrived on-site to begin the search. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged that Bryan’s body was found roughly 200 yards away from the search’s starting point, elaborating that it is common for bodies to resurface after drowning incidents.

In an emotional statement, city officials described Bryan as a “bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy,” whose spirit positively impacted those around him. The community has come together to support the family during this difficult time, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief over the tragedy.

In response to the incident, Chief Kirkpatrick has reached out to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to address the presence of alligators in the area, requesting the removal of any deemed “nuisance” alligators. Each year, the agency captures and relocates thousands of these reptiles in an effort to reduce human-alligator encounters, as Louisiana is home to the largest alligator population in the United States.

The investigation into Bryan’s death continues, as authorities seek to piece together the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident. The community remains on alert, reflecting on the need for enhanced safety measures to protect vulnerable residents. Further updates on the investigation are expected to follow as the police work to seek justice for Bryan and his grieving family.