New Bedford man with ties to Tennessee and Texas drowns, remembered for living life to the fullest

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III announced a drowning that occurred in New Bedford Harbor that was discovered by the New Bedford Police Department’s Marine Unit on Saturday. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that 51-year-old Jason Vasquez of New Bedford was last seen on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after he visited a local adult establishment.  The decedent worked on a vessel at the New Bedford Shipyard and Shoreline.  His boss reported Vasquez missing on Friday, January 30th after his vehicle was found in the parking lot of the New Bedford Shipyard and Shoreline.  New Bedford Police responded at that time and located his vehicle.  On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Vasquez was located in the harbor a short distance from the vessel he worked on by the New Bedford Police Department’s Marine Unit.  He was pronounced deceased on scene.

According to his brother, it is believed that Vasquez must have forgotten something on the boat and went to retrieve it in the early morning hours. He was scheduled to fly to Tennessee for a funeral.

Vasquez was being remembered as a good guy and a unique individual who lived life to the fullest and always put a smile on people’s faces. His brother noted that sometimes he may have been misunderstood.

Known as “Tex” by local fishermen, he had family in Texas and Tennessee, graduating from high school in the Volunteer State.

The drowning is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the New Bedford Police Department.