Teen Likely Plummeted From Manhattan Bridge Weeks Ago, Police Say

Surveillance footage captured a splash in the water after the teen's last known location on the bridge

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15pm

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A 15-year-old Long Island boy who went missing in January was last seen on the Manhattan Bridge, where surveillance footage captured a splash in the water shortly after his cell phone activity stopped, police said in an update. Detectives have determined there is no indication of criminal activity, but the teen has not been found.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young person is always a tragic event that raises concerns about public safety, mental health issues, and the challenges of investigating cases where the details are unclear. This case highlights the difficulties law enforcement can face in piecing together the final moments of a missing person's whereabouts.

The details

According to police, 15-year-old Thomas Medlin was last known to be on the Manhattan Bridge on January 9th around 7:06 pm. His cell phone activity stopped about 3 minutes later, and surveillance footage captured a splash in the water at 7:10 pm. Detectives said Medlin was never seen leaving the bridge. They conducted extensive video canvassing, executed search warrants, and reviewed digital evidence, but found no indication of criminal activity.

  • On January 9th, 2026, Medlin was last seen on the Manhattan Bridge around 7:06 pm.
  • Medlin's cell phone activity stopped around 7:09 pm on January 9th.
  • Surveillance footage captured a splash in the water at 7:10 pm on January 9th.

The players

Thomas Medlin

A 15-year-old boy from Saint James, Long Island who went missing after traveling to New York City.

Eva Yan

Medlin's mother, who previously believed her son traveled to the city to meet someone he had communicated with through the online gaming platform Roblox.

Suffolk County Police

The law enforcement agency investigating Medlin's disappearance and determining the timeline of events.

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What they’re saying

“There is no indication of criminal activity.”

— Suffolk County Police

What’s next

Detectives have said they are working with law enforcement partners to bring closure to Medlin's family, but no specific next steps were provided.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating missing persons cases, especially when the details are unclear. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for families dealing with the disappearance of a loved one.