In early February 2021, concern began to mount for 27-year-old Andrew 'Valeri' Lavigne when he ceased his daily phone calls to his cousin. Andrew was last seen at his residence in New Haven, Connecticut, on February 2, 2021. It was uncharacteristic of him to be out of contact with his family for an extended period, and after two weeks without a word, he was officially reported missing to the East Lyme Police Department on February 16, 2021.
Although he was living in New Haven with a roommate at the time of his disappearance, the report was filed in East Lyme, where his father resided. The search for Andrew began, leaving his loved ones to grapple with the uncertainty of his whereabouts.
Andrew, who was adopted from Russia at the age of five, grew up in Enfield, Connecticut. In his youth, he was active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout, was a member of his high school's swim team, and later worked as a lifeguard at a camp in Connecticut. Described as a white male with brown hair and blue/hazel eyes, he stood at approximately 6'1' and weighed around 153 pounds. Andrew faced personal challenges, including a history of substance abuse and mental health issues. He was also partially disabled and used a walking cane to assist with his mobility. Those who knew him mentioned he used a distinctive black cane with a silver snake head on the handle. He also contended with severe epilepsy and seizures, which reportedly had been worsening, sometimes causing memory loss.
When family members went to his New Haven apartment, they discovered that he had left behind his medications and his favorite pair of shoes, items they believe he would not have willingly left. The investigation into his disappearance, assigned the case number 21-2014-OF by the East Lyme Police Department, has been challenging due to a scarcity of information and clear leads. Despite efforts by law enforcement and the community, including the distribution of flyers and social media campaigns, no significant breakthroughs have been publicly reported. The circumstances surrounding the day he was last seen remain unclear, hindering the ability of investigators to piece together a timeline of his movements. Over the years, police have renewed their calls for public assistance, and his family has provided dental records in the hope of finding answers. The case of Andrew Lavigne remains an open and haunting mystery for his family and the New Haven community, as they continue to hope for information that might bring him home.Last Seen: Feb 2, 2021
