Fifteen-year-old Jefferson Reyes Vazquez Cruz was last seen in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on August 1, 2025. Jefferson is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He had been living with his uncle and reportedly walked away from that residence.

Authorities say Jefferson’s absence was not reported to police until August 22, 2025 — roughly three weeks after he was last seen. That delay has complicated the early stages of the inquiry and leaves open key questions about his movements and contacts in the days after August 1. The Gatlinburg Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are seeking anyone who may have seen Jefferson or who has information about his whereabouts.

If anyone saw Jefferson in Gatlinburg or along possible routes out of the area, or has information about why he left his uncle’s home, please contact law enforcement.