A 12-year-old autistic boy who has been missing for weeks has been found dead, the city of New Orleans announced in a statement Tuesday morning.

Bryan Vasquez disappeared on Aug. 14, when he climbed out of a bedroom window at his Beaucaire Street home in New Orleans East, prompting a massive search effort that involved local and state authorities and volunteers from around the world.

"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," city officials said in a prepared statement. "Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends and community."

Officials did not say where or when Vasque

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