Kristin Cavallari Releases Statement After Brother Michael Cavallari Found Dead; Thanks Fans 'For Their Love, Support And Prayers'

Kristin Cavallari has officially confirmed that her brother Michael Cavallari, who was missing for nearly two weeks, has died. The former star of MTV's "The Hills" released a statement on his passing, thanking fans for their positivity throughout the search.

According to E! Online, authorities confirmed on Thursday that Michael's body was found. Kristin, 28, thanked her fans for sending "love, support and prayers" to her and her family as they searched for her brother. She asked that everyone respect their privacy as they grieve, noting that this will be a "painful" time for them.

"We want to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers during this very difficult time," she said. "We have just been informed by the authorities my brother's body has been found. This is a very painful time and we are still processing it all. We kindly ask everyone please respect our privacy during our time of grieving."

As International Business Times previously reported, Michael, 30, was last seen on Nov. 27 near Green River, Utah. Police discovered his car abandoned five miles south of Interstate 70, off Exit 175. The car was running when authorities found it and one airbag had been deployed. Several of Michael's personal items, including his cell phone and laptop, had been left inside the car. Police began searching the area around the car, but found no clues as to where Michael may be. Receipts left inside the vehicle indicated that he had been to a convenience store in Monticello, Utah, not long before he disappeared. Video surveillance from the store confirmed that information.

Kristin Cavallari also released a statement when news initially broke.

No further information about Michael's death is available at this time. It remains unclear what the official cause of death is.