Kumar Narine Missing: Desperate Search Intensifies for 17-Year-Old Guyanese Teen Last Seen Near Cross Bay Bridge in Queens as Family, Friends, and NYPD Unite in a Heart-Wrenching Effort to Bring Him Home
NEW YORK CITY (April 10, 2025) — A tense and emotionally charged search is currently underway in New York City for Kumar Narine, a 17-year-old overseas-based Guyanese teenager who was reported missing on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. after he was last seen heading toward the Cross Bay Bridge in Queens. The unsettling disappearance has gripped both the New York and Guyanese communities, launching a massive response effort that includes police involvement, grassroots mobilization, and international concern as loved ones cling to hope.
The Disappearance: Timeline and Description
Kumar Narine, described by those who know him as kind-hearted, introspective, and full of promise, was last seen riding a blue bicycle on Sunday evening. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants, gray Crocs, and was carrying a gray backpack. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 125 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and glasses, Kumar has a distinct and recognizable appearance, something family members hope will aid those trying to spot him in public or in security footage.
Sources close to the family confirmed that Kumar had left his residence in Queens in what was described as a “calm and normal state.” His last known direction was toward the Cross Bay Bridge, a major connector between Queens and the Rockaways, an area frequented by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Despite the public nature of the area, no verifiable sightings have been confirmed since his disappearance.
A Family’s Worst Nightmare: Navin and Kungie Speak Out
For Navin and Kungie, Kumar’s family members, the past few days have been a terrifying and exhausting ordeal. Visibly shaken but resilient, they have stepped into the media spotlight and community outreach role with admirable determination. Navin, Kumar’s uncle, has made his contact number (917-417-1757) available to anyone with tips or leads. Kungie, a maternal relative, has also urged the public to reach out via (917-463-7609) with any information, no matter how small.
In an emotional plea outside a community center in Queens, Navin addressed reporters and community members:
“We are shattered by Kumar’s disappearance. We have not slept in days, but we will not stop until we bring him home. If you have seen anything, even the smallest detail, please call us. You might be the person who helps save him.”
Their emotional strength has become a source of inspiration for others, and it’s clear that this is more than a case—it’s a community mission.
Social Media and Public Response: Mobilization in the Digital Age
Social media platforms—especially Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—have become invaluable tools in this ongoing search. Within hours of the first missing persons flyer being posted online, it had been shared thousands of times, reaching people in New York, New Jersey, and across the U.S. Guyanese diaspora. Online communities such as “Guyanese in New York” and “Queens Community Watch” have rallied around the case, organizing volunteer groups, compiling sighting reports, and using hashtags like #FindKumar, #BringKumarHome, and #MissingTeenAlert to maintain visibility.
One TikTok user with over 200,000 followers posted a video detailing Kumar’s description and timeline, reaching more than 1 million views in under 24 hours. Commenters have posted encouraging messages, offered tips, and even mapped areas where they believe Kumar may have been.
This online mobilization has spilled over into real-world efforts as well, with volunteers canvassing neighborhoods, hanging flyers at bus stops, subway stations, grocery stores, schools, and even churches.
Law Enforcement Involvement: NYPD Investigates
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has issued a Missing Persons Alert and confirmed that they are “actively investigating” the case. Officers from the 106th Precinct, which covers the Howard Beach and Ozone Park areas, have been assigned to lead the search. Undercover officers have been seen canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with locals, and checking surveillance footage from businesses near Cross Bay Boulevard.
“The safety and well-being of Kumar is our top priority,” said Detective Melissa Sandoval, a spokesperson for the NYPD. “We urge anyone with security cameras facing the street to review their footage from Sunday evening between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.”
Law enforcement has encouraged people to call 911 or the NYPD tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS with any relevant information.
The Broader Emotional Impact: A Diaspora in Distress
Kumar’s disappearance has stirred deep emotions within the Guyanese community, both in the United States and abroad. Known for its tight-knit familial and cultural bonds, the diaspora has responded with swift and sweeping action. Candlelight vigils have already been held in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx, with prayers offered at local Hindu temples, mosques, and Christian churches.
Community leaders, including religious figures and advocacy groups like the Guyanese American Leadership Alliance (GALA), have been instrumental in spreading awareness. GALA’s Executive Director, Anjali Persaud, issued a statement:
“This is not just one family’s tragedy—this is all of ours. We must stand together to ensure that Kumar is found and that no child in our community ever feels unsafe.”
In Georgetown, Guyana, where Kumar was born, local media outlets have picked up the story. National news stations have reported on the unfolding developments, emphasizing the cross-border nature of this tragedy. Kumar’s relatives in Guyana, too, have joined the call for action, with his grandmother tearfully pleading in a video message:
“Please help find my grandson. He is a good boy. He has never done anything to make us worry.”
The Human Side: Who Is Kumar Narine?
To many, Kumar Narine may now be a face on a flyer or headline, but those who know him describe a young man with dreams, humor, kindness, and a deep love for learning. Born in Berbice, Guyana, Kumar moved to New York two years ago to pursue better educational opportunities and to reunite with family. He had recently been accepted into a pre-college technology program and was planning to attend community college in the fall to study computer science.
“He loves coding, music, and reading fantasy novels,” said a close friend who met Kumar at school. “He would always stay after class to help others. If anyone deserves to be safe, it’s him.”
The Search Area: Geography and Speculation
The Cross Bay Bridge, where Kumar was last seen heading, spans Jamaica Bay and links Broad Channel and the Rockaways. The bridge and surrounding areas include multiple marshlands, waterways, and isolated walking paths, making it a challenging area to thoroughly search.
Some have speculated about various scenarios, including accidental injury, disorientation, or potential foul play. Others suggest he may have been seeking solitude. Regardless of the possibilities, law enforcement continues to treat the case as a missing person under urgent circumstances.
Searches have expanded into Jacob Riis Park, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and parts of Howard Beach, with drones, boats, and K9 units involved.
Community Collaboration and Ongoing Updates
Community organizations such as the Queens Mutual Aid Collective and Cityline Advocacy Network have also stepped up by organizing search parties, distributing meals and water to volunteers, and ensuring safety protocols are in place for those searching difficult terrains.
The local school district where Kumar was enrolled has released a letter to students and parents, acknowledging the situation and offering counseling services to students affected by the news.
“We understand this is a distressing time for our school community. We are committed to supporting our students emotionally as we hope for Kumar’s safe return.”
Emotional Resilience: A Community Refuses to Give Up
As day turns into night, the search continues. Dozens gather nightly at the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 165th Avenue, holding candles, sharing stories, and praying for Kumar’s safe return. Songs are sung in English, Creole, and Hindi, a reflection of the diverse roots Kumar represents.
Each night, Navin addresses the crowd with hopeful updates, expressing gratitude for the ongoing efforts and emphasizing the importance of unity.
“No matter how long it takes, we will find him,” he said, voice cracking under emotion. “We are not giving up. Kumar, if you can hear this, we love you. Please come home.”
Call to Action: How the Public Can Help
The family and NYPD are pleading for continued public vigilance. Here’s how you can help:
- Share Kumar’s flyer on social media platforms.
- Check personal security footage if you live near Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel, or surrounding neighborhoods.
- Join community search groups (contact local precinct for coordinated efforts).
- Call 911 or 1-800-577-TIPS if you have any credible information.
- Reach out to family members directly:
