Family Searches for Bryan Hasel Five Years On
Relatives of Bryan Vladek Hasel, who disappeared in November 2021, continue the search as a candlelight vigil is planned in Orlando.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Romance
The family of Bryan Vladek Hasel continues to search for him five years after he disappeared in November 2021. A candlelight vigil for Hasel is scheduled at the University of Central Florida in Orlando on Saturday.
Why it matters
Hasel's last verified sighting was at an Orlando coffee shop, where police were called on November 6, 2021, making the search a continuing concern for the local community. The case highlights the difficulty of locating a missing person whose disappearance followed a public encounter with law enforcement.
Body camera footage from the November 6, 2021 police call showed Hasel reacting calmly, while his family reports a customer accused him of having a pocket knife two days earlier. The search has been ongoing for five years, and the case remains unsolved.
The players
Orange County Sheriff's Office
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is the local law enforcement agency leading the search for Hasel, using deputies, aviation units, drones and bloodhounds.
Gabby Petito Foundation
The Gabby Petito Foundation is a nonprofit organization that will livestream the candlelight vigil for Hasel.
The details
Hasel was told not to return to the coffee shop after the incident. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has used patrol deputies, an emergency response team, aviation units, drone operators, and bloodhounds in the search. His family has donated to his favorite charities as they continue their efforts to find him.
Timeline
November 2021: Hasel disappears.
November 4, 2021: A customer accuses Hasel of having a pocket knife at the coffee shop.
November 6, 2021: Police are called to the Orlando coffee shop, the last verified sighting.
Saturday: Candlelight vigil at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Culture Shift
The vigil is livestreamed through the Gabby Petito Foundation, following the public memorial model that grew after the 2021 Gabby Petito case drew national attention to missing persons. Such vigils have become a common way for families to keep unsolved disappearances visible years later.
The Hasel family's vigil will be livestreamed through the Gabby Petito Foundation, allowing people beyond Orlando to watch and join remembrance efforts. Readers who have information about Hasel's whereabouts can contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office directly.
The takeaway
Missing-person cases can remain open for years, and sustained public attention through vigils and shared information can help keep them active. Anyone with information about Bryan Hasel is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Further reading
For more on relationships and personal connection, explore Romance coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFLA.
