Six Days of Anguish: Hispanic Mother Receives the Worst News

Hispanic Mother Erica Padilla Faces Tragedy

Missing Young Man Found Dead

Justice Demanded in Norcross

According to Univision, for six agonizing days, Erica Padilla lived through unimaginable anguish searching for her son, Brayan Iván Ventura Padilla, 21, who went missing in Norcross, Georgia.

The young man had left on the night of Wednesday, October 22, heading to his uncle’s house just ten minutes away, but he never arrived.

His desperate mother began an exhaustive search across hospitals, jails, and nearby neighborhoods until Tuesday, October 28, when she received the most painful news: Brayan had died after being struck by a vehicle.

The information was confirmed by the Gwinnett County Police Department, Erica told Univision Atlanta.

A Desperate Search in Norcross for Missing Hispanic Young Man That Ended in Tragedy

Erica Padilla reported the disappearance of her son, Brayan Iván Ventura, after he failed to arrive at his uncle’s house in Norcross. On Tuesday, October 28, police notified her that he had died. https://t.co/fFPuUeihXE

— Univision Atlanta (@univision34ATL) October 28, 2025

“He was hit by a car and died, according to the medical examiner,” said the heartbroken mother.

Until that moment, Erica still held onto hope that she would find him alive — but her search ended in tragedy.

The case has deeply moved the Hispanic community in Norcross, where friends and relatives of the victim joined efforts during the days of uncertainty to help locate him.

Brayan, according to those close to him, was a hardworking and cheerful young man who dreamed of supporting his family and continuing his studies.

Community Demands Justice for Brayan Iván Ventura Padilla

Norcross missing Hispanic youth case ends in tragedy – PHOTO: FB Mario Guevara

Hours before receiving the tragic news, Erica Padilla had spoken to Univision 34 Atlanta, expressing her desperation over the lack of answers from authorities.

“I’ve looked for him in almost every jail, in hospitals, and they won’t give me any information about him,” she said tearfully.

Her last contact with her son was the night of Wednesday, October 22, when they exchanged text messages.

“I was texting with him… it was 10:01 p.m.… then he never came back online on WhatsApp after that,” said the Honduran mother.

The Hispanic Community Unites for Brayan

In the following days, Erica Padilla canvassed the area, sharing surveillance videos that captured her son leaving their apartment complex.

She asked for help on social media, posted flyers, and contacted local authorities — who initially provided little concrete information.

The search quickly became a community effort, with neighbors and volunteers accompanying the mother through Norcross and nearby parts of Gwinnett County.

This Tuesday, however, Gwinnett Police confirmed the worst: Brayan had died after being hit by a vehicle, though the exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been disclosed.

Pain, Faith, and Hope for Justice

The death of Brayan Iván Ventura Padilla leaves a deep wound in his community and reignites debate over police response times to missing persons reports.

Erica Padilla, who emigrated from Honduras several years ago, asked for respect for her grief and thanked everyone who supported her during the search.

“I just want to know what happened to my son — I want justice to be served,” she said through tears.

The Norcross community has begun organizing a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and to demand answers.