Body of Missing Long Island Teen Found in Brooklyn Waters

Thomas Medlin, 15, disappeared after traveling to New York City in January, his body recovered 2 months later

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:38pm

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The body of 15-year-old Thomas Medlin, who disappeared after traveling from Long Island to New York City in January, was recovered from the waters off Red Hook, Brooklyn on March 7. Authorities confirmed his identity on March 12, though details about the discovery of his body and the circumstances of his death have not been provided.

Why it matters

The disappearance and tragic death of Thomas Medlin has shaken his local community on Long Island and raised questions about the safety of young people traveling alone to New York City. Authorities are still investigating the case to determine what happened to the teen after he was last seen on the Manhattan Bridge.

The details

Thomas Medlin left his school in Stony Brook, New York on January 9 and was later seen at Grand Central Station in Manhattan. Police said he was last spotted on a pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan Bridge that same evening, and a nearby surveillance camera captured a splash in the water shortly after. Medlin's cell phone activity also ended at that time. After an extensive investigation, including reviewing social media and electronic devices, police said they found no indication of criminal activity related to his disappearance.

  • Thomas Medlin left Stony Brook School around 3:30 p.m. on January 9, 2026.
  • Medlin was last seen at Grand Central Station in Manhattan around 5:30 p.m. on January 9, 2026.
  • Medlin was last seen on the Manhattan Bridge pedestrian walkway at 7:06 p.m. on January 9, 2026.
  • A nearby surveillance camera captured a splash in the water at 7:10 p.m. on January 9, 2026.
  • Medlin's body was recovered from the waters off Red Hook, Brooklyn on March 7, 2026.

The players

Thomas Medlin

A 15-year-old boy from Long Island, New York who disappeared after traveling to New York City in January 2026.

Eva Yan

Thomas Medlin's mother, who previously told local media that his disappearance was out of character and she believed he had traveled to the city to meet someone he connected with online.

Suffolk County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated Medlin's disappearance and confirmed the recovery of his body from the Brooklyn waters.

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What they’re saying

“Detectives have continuously communicated the department's findings to Medlin's family. The department is continuing to work with its law enforcement partners to bring closure to the family.”

— Suffolk County Police Department (people.com)

What’s next

Authorities have not provided any details about next steps in the investigation, but they have said they are continuing to work with law enforcement partners to determine the circumstances surrounding Medlin's death.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Thomas Medlin has left his family and community devastated, and it has raised concerns about the safety of young people traveling alone to large cities like New York. This case highlights the importance of open communication between law enforcement and families during missing persons investigations, as well as the need for greater resources and support to protect vulnerable youth.