Ryan D. Larsen Missing La Vista, NE – Endangered Missing

Ryan D. Larsen, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at La Vista West Elementary School, has been missing since May 17, 2021. Ryan, who lived with his mother and older sister, had high-functioning autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy. At the time of his disappearance, he was not carrying his required medication, heightening concerns for his safety.

On the morning of May 17, Ryan became frustrated while working on school assignments and followed his usual calming routine, moving to another room. A gap in supervision allowed him to leave the campus between 11:55 a.m. and 12:05 p.m., and he was last seen at 1:45 p.m. near the Southfield Apartments, just blocks from his home. He carried a polka-dotted umbrella, later recovered near a dumpster weeks after he disappeared.

Ryan had a history of running and hiding, earning the nickname “the king of hide-and-seek.” Authorities also noted his prior searches for ways to avoid detection. Despite extensive searches and efforts by law enforcement and the community, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Ryan was last seen wearing a black and gray hooded sweatshirt with orange lining, an Old Navy shirt, blue jeans, and black New Balance sneakers with red trim. He is white, with brown hair, hazel eyes, 5’8” tall, and 125 pounds.

The La Vista Police Department and Ryan’s family continue to seek answers. Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to call (402) 331-1582 and reference case #21-4845. Ryan’s case remains classified as endangered missing and is listed in NamUs as #MP82527.

Ryan’s family, friends, and community members continue to hope for his safe return and urge the public to remain vigilant in supporting efforts to locate him.