Teen's Body Found Months After Vanishing on Roblox Meeting

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 15-year-old boy from Long Island, New York named Thomas Medlin went missing in January after telling his family he was traveling to New York City to meet someone he had connected with through the online game Roblox. Authorities say surveillance footage showed Medlin on the Manhattan Bridge that evening, with a splash recorded in the water shortly after. Medlin's body was found in the water off Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood two months later, though his identity was not confirmed until March 12.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the risks that can come with online interactions, especially for young people. While Roblox has safety features, it's a reminder for parents to have open conversations with their children about online safety and the potential dangers of meeting strangers in person. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances around Medlin's death.

The details

According to police, surveillance footage showed Medlin on the Manhattan Bridge at 7:06 pm on the night he went missing, with his phone last showing activity at 7:09 pm. A splash was recorded in the water at 7:10 pm, and Medlin was never seen exiting the bridge. His body was found in the water off Red Hook, Brooklyn on March 7, though his identity was not confirmed until March 12. Authorities say their investigation found no signs of criminal activity related to Medlin's online interactions.

• Thomas Medlin went missing on January 9.
• His body was found in the water on March 7.
• His identity was confirmed on March 12.

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances around Medlin's death, though they have found no signs of criminal activity related to his online interactions.