This comes nearly two weeks after he was reported missing from his home.
The body of a missing 12-year-old nonverbal boy was found Tuesday morning.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the body of Bryan Vasquez was found by volunteers searching near his home.
Vasquez, who had autism, was last seen Thursday, Aug. 14 exiting his bedroom window around 5 a.m.
Just blocks away from his home and less than an hour later, he was spotted on surveillance video only wearing an adult diaper, but there had been no sign of him since.
For nearly two weeks volunteers from different states as well as the Cajun Navy searched a body of water near his home on Beaucaire Street.
Online police records show a five hour delay between the initial call reporting Vasquez missing and when an NOPD officer responded to the call.
According to the NOPD calls for service, the initial call regarding Vasquez was made around 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.
The NOPD did not respond until 3 p.m. that day, which is five hours after the first 911 call.
A family spokesperson for the Vasquez family was critical of the response from the NOPD.
New Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick held a news conference Tuesday stating that they still don’t know what caused the delay in response.
Kirkpatrick said the investigation is still ongoing and results of that investigation will be released at a later time.
The City of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding Vasquez death:
“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. Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community.
“The City also extends its gratitude to the New Orleans Police Department, the Cajun Navy, and all agencies and volunteers who came together to support the Vasquez family during this difficult time.
“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.”
ReNEW Schools issued the following statement regarding Vasquez’s death:
“The ReNEW Laurel and ReNEW Schools community is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Bryan Vasquez. Bryan was a valued member of our school family, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.
“We are grateful to the community, ReNEW staff, and the many agencies who worked tirelessly in the search for Bryan and for the compassion and support they have shown throughout this time. Our hearts and prayers remain with Bryan’s family, friends, and loved ones as they face this incredibly difficult loss. To support our community during this time, counseling and other resources will be available for our students, staff, and families.
“As we mourn, we ask for continued respect and understanding for Bryan’s family, his friends, ReNEW Laurel, and the entire ReNEW community.”
