In a raw and emotional turn, the family of 15-year-old Thomas Medlin has publicly acknowledged the regrettable missteps and heated arguments that preceded his sudden departure from home, leaving his mother wracked with guilt in the agonizing weeks since he vanished.

Thomas, a quiet student at Stony Brook School on Long Island, New York, walked out of campus around 3:30 p.m. on January 9, 2026, ran to the nearby train station, and traveled into Manhattan. What began as a search for a runaway teen has evolved into a harrowing ordeal, with surveillance footage placing him on the pedestrian walkway of the Manhattan Bridge that evening. His phone’s last activity was logged at 7:09 p.m., followed almost immediately by a mysterious splash captured on nearby cameras at 7:10 p.m. He was never seen exiting the bridge.

The family initially believed Thomas had gone to meet someone he connected with through the popular online game Roblox, a theory fueled by his secret secondary accounts that bypassed parental controls. His mother, Eva Yan, had set up monitoring on his main profile but was unaware of the hidden ones, a detail that now haunts her. In tearful media appearances, she pleaded for his return, insisting he was “not in trouble” and assuring anyone with him that he was loved and safe.

But in recent days, the family has shifted focus inward, admitting to intense family conflicts in the lead-up to that fateful afternoon. Sources close to the case describe a “huge fight” just before Thomas left—one that escalated quickly and left unresolved pain. His parents now reflect on moments of frustration, strict rules around screen time, and missed opportunities to listen more deeply to their son’s struggles. They describe him as a well-behaved boy who had never run away before, making the sudden act all the more shocking and heartbreaking.

The torment is palpable for Eva, who spends sleepless nights replaying conversations and wondering if kinder words or more patience could have changed everything. “We love him so much,” she has said repeatedly, her voice cracking with regret. The family has organized searches across Long Island and the city, clinging to any sliver of hope despite the grim police updates suggesting a possible self-harm scenario—details the parents fiercely challenge, insisting Thomas showed no signs of being distraught enough for such an outcome.

Investigators continue to review digital evidence and footage, communicating regularly with the family in hopes of closure. No criminal activity has been indicated, but the absence of definitive proof leaves room for doubt. Friends and community members rally around the Medlins, sharing flyers and prayers, while online discussions debate the dangers of unsupervised gaming and the importance of open family communication.

For Eva and James, the days blur into a cycle of anguish, self-blame, and desperate waiting. Their confession serves as a gut-wrenching reminder: even in loving homes, unspoken hurts can push a child to the edge. As the search enters its fourth week, the plea remains the same—come home, Thomas. Your family is waiting, hearts broken but full of love.