The family of 15-year-old Thomas Medlin has issued their first emotional statement since the tragic discovery of his body in the waters off Red Hook, Brooklyn. Thomas vanished on January 9, 2026, after traveling from his Long Island home to Manhattan. Surveillance footage captured him on the Manhattan Bridge around 7:06 p.m. that evening, with his phone’s last activity at 7:09 p.m. and a mysterious splash recorded in the East River just a minute later. Authorities recovered his body on March 7, confirming his identity on March 12. Police have stated there is no indication of criminal activity or foul play involved.

In their heartfelt message, Thomas’s grieving parents, Eva Yan and James Medlin, expressed profound sorrow while affirming their pride in their son: “Our beautiful boy is in heaven! We are both so proud to have him as our son.” The mother, overwhelmed by grief, reportedly struggled to remain composed upon viewing police-provided video evidence related to the incident—footage that brought the devastating reality crashing down on her.

The case initially sparked widespread speculation, including theories of an online meeting via Roblox (later ruled out by investigators) and concerns over potential foul play. However, the official findings point to a heartbreaking, non-criminal outcome. The family has previously pleaded for privacy, urging the public to avoid unverified rumors during the active search phase, and now faces the painful process of closure.

This loss has deeply affected the community, highlighting the vulnerabilities teens face and the importance of open communication within families. The Medlins’ strength in sharing their pain amid unimaginable heartbreak serves as a poignant reminder of parental love enduring even the darkest moments.