Missing 12-Year-Old Boy with Brain Condition Left Home Through Window. He Was Found Dead in Lagoon 12 Days Later

Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with a severe brain condition who disappeared from his New Orleans home nearly two weeks ago, has been found dead in a lagoon.

Authorities confirmed that Vasquez’s body was located on Tuesday, Aug. 26, after a thermal drone detected a heat signature in the marshland. “The drone picked up a heat signature and found human remains out in the marsh,” Brian Trascher, vice president and spokesperson for the United Cajun Navy, told PEOPLE.

The nonprofit then sent the coordinates to Louisiana State Police, who dispatched a boat to recover the remains. Later that day, police confirmed that the body was that of the missing child.

“This is indeed a profoundly sad day, but a day for some closure,” New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick said during a press conference aired by FOX affiliate WVUE.

Kirkpatrick explained that the drone had located the remains about 200 yards into the marsh, close to where Vasquez was first reported missing. She added that she personally spoke with the boy’s mother, offering condolences and apologies on behalf of the department.

She also addressed the five-hour delay between the initial report of Vasquez’s disappearance and when the New Orleans Police Department first responded, according to NBC affiliate WDSU.

“We know that we had a five-hour delay,” Kirkpatrick said. “We immediately opened up an internal investigation, which is a formal investigation on ourselves for that time delay. I plan to answer all questions, but we must have facts in context before I know fully what actually happened.”

The cause of death remains under investigation, and authorities have not ruled out foul play. A press release from police stated they are reviewing “all circumstances” surrounding the case, which is still considered unclassified. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.

Authorities previously said Vasquez was discovered missing after climbing out of his bedroom window around 10 a.m. on Aug. 14. Police did not respond until 3 p.m. that day, WVUE reported.

Vasquez, who had a neurodevelopmental disorder and did not understand English or Spanish, was last seen wearing only an adult diaper, according to the Times-Picayune and a Louisiana State Police press release. Surveillance video later showed him less than a mile from his home on Sevres Street.

His family had recently moved within the neighborhood, and Bryan was known to try to escape, the Times-Picayune reported. His mother had not yet installed the same security measures from their previous residence as she cared for three other children, including a newborn.

As the search continued, police urged neighbors to review surveillance footage and check sheds or other hiding places. Four to five days later, the United Cajun Navy joined the effort, deploying dogs, drones, sonar, and search boats.

“We had canine dogs, we had drones, we had sonar equipment on boats,” Trascher said. “We were kind of perplexed as to why the dogs were hitting this one spot. We just couldn’t find anything.”

The turning point came when a thermal drone was brought in, ultimately leading to the discovery. While Trascher said he believes an alligator may have been involved, he emphasized that the exact circumstances remain unclear.

“I can surmise what happened to him then. I don’t know if he panicked and started splashing and the gator got to him and dragged him off, or if he drowned first. I don’t know,” he said.

In a statement, the City of New Orleans remembered Vasquez as “a beloved child whose life, though far too short, left a lasting impression on all who knew him.” Officials praised the many agencies and volunteers who took part in the search.

“Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community,” the city said. “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. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”