The search for Kristin Cavallari’s brother Michael, who was reported missing last week, has ended in tragedy as his body was discovered in Grand County, Utah on Thursday morning (December 10th).

Police had been searching for 30 year old Michael since November 27th, after his 2014 Honda Civic was discovered abandoned off the side of the road, roughly five miles south of exit 175 on I-70. The vehicle was found to be registered to his name when credit card receipts, his laptop and phone were discovered in the car.

However, his body was found in the Salt Wash area near the exit itself at 10:30am on Thursday, a place described as having steep, rocky terrain, according to the Grand County Sherriff's Office. The body is being transported to the Utah Medical Examiner to establish the cause of death.

The former ‘Laguna Beach’ star, 28, later responded in a touching Instagram tribute to her brother on Thursday night. “My heart is in a million pieces,” she wrote, posting a throwback picture of her with her brother when they were toddlers. “Mikey, I could always count on you to make me laugh. You had such a good heart and will be forever missed. I'm at a loss for words but I know u are in a better place and finally at peace. I love u so much RIP.”

More: Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler welcome their first daughter

Cavallari later gave an official statement to People magazine: “We want to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers during this very difficult time. 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.”

Recently, a source told the same magazine that Michael had a troubled past, saying there was “always drama with him”. Despite this, Kristin “was always very protective of him. She was always trying to help him. He had been trying to produce reality shows a while ago, but it didn't work out.”

More: Why Kristin Cavallari doesn’t want her sons playing football