Tragic Discovery in New Orleans: Body Found in Search for Missing Boy Bryan Vasquez

New Orleans, August 26, 2025 - Authorities confirmed today that a body recovered from a lagoon in New Orleans East is very likely that of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, who went missing last week during an afternoon outing near his home. Local law enforcement, volunteer search teams, and the City’s leadership joined in expressing profound sorrow while the coroner’s office works toward formal identification.

According to officials, sonar-equipped boats, aerial drones, and cadaver dogs from multiple states converged on the marshy lagoon at first light, following repeated canine alerts over several days. The United Cajun Navy’s president, Todd Terrell, described a relentless, round-the-clock effort complicated by dense vegetation and soft bottom silt, which initially hindered recovery operations. “We knew we were in the right area,” Terrell said, noting that five separate dog teams consistently flagged the same location until the body was finally brought to shore.

In an official statement released this morning, Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office conveyed the City’s “deep sadness” at the passing of Bryan, calling him “bright, charismatic, and energetic,” and thanked all agencies and volunteers who rallied to support the Vasquez family throughout the search. “Bryan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him,” the statement read, adding that his “light will continue to shine as a reminder of resilience, innocence, and love”.

The New Orleans Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances of Bryan’s disappearance, including a reported five-hour delay before officers were dispatched to the initial missing-persons report. No further details on the ongoing inquiry have been released. The coroner’s office is expected to issue an official identification later today, after which funeral arrangements for Bryan Vasquez will be announced by his family.