ORLANDO, Fla. – Each year, it gets harder.
The Hasel family returns to the University of Central Florida to light candles and hold a vigil in hopes of raising awareness and finding their missing son, Bryan “Vladek” Hasel.
As family and friends gathered, one person could be heard pleading, “Please, if you’re out there, please come home.”
This week marks four years since Vladek disappeared. Despite extensive searches and investigations, there are still no signs of the former Marine.
“I want answers. I wanna know what happened to you. I pray to God every night for your safety,” said his sister, Bethany Hasel.
Bethany said Vladek was supposed to be a groomsman at her wedding this year. Instead, she saved a seat for him and carried his picture on her bouquet. “It wasn’t the same as having him in person,” she said, “but it was a small way that I could keep him close to my heart.”
Bethany also shared that it’s been a difficult year for their father, Steve Hasel. “You’re my son. You’re my best friend. Life is different without you,” Steve said, fighting back emotion. Bethany revealed her father suffered three strokes this year, including one on her wedding day.
“I really wasn’t sure if I would have my dad with me tonight,” Bethany said. “I really hope I have my dad when we find Vladek.”
Bethany said she still believes Vladek is alive—even though there have been no new leads or major updates. She confirmed a new detective from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has been assigned to the case, and that the family continues to receive support from the Gabby Petito Foundation and other advocates.
To keep his story alive, the Hasel family has partnered with coffee shops across the country to feature Vladek’s picture and information on coffee sleeves. They’re also planning to place flyers at basketball courts, hoping new eyes might finally help them find answers—and bring Vladek home.
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