Human remains recovered from a remote part of a Arizona mountain range have been identified as that of a teen who went missing five months go.
Peoria Police confirmed that the remains of 16-year-old Bradley Klose were found in Deem Hills Recreation Area on Thursday.
Klose was last seen on April 8 in Peoria after he left his place of walk and was spotted on surveillance cameras leaving on foot.
Investigators said he was on the autism spectrum and that his family were concerned for his safety as it was ‘not typical behavior’.
In a statement to AZFamily, his family said: ‘This is a heartbreaking end to the search for Bradley.’
‘Our family is in mourning and kindly asks for privacy as we work through this difficult time.
‘Though this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we praise God for answering prayers and shining a light on Bradley.
‘We would like to thank all of our friends, neighbors, the community and the Peoria police Department for not giving up on the search.’
Police are handling the investigation into his death with no suspects wanted in connection.
Officials told the outlet that there does not appear to be any foul play or suspicious circumstances regarding his death.
A statement from authorities said: ‘This is obviously not the outcome that everyone was hoping for, and we would like to extend our condolences to Bradley’s family who has since been notified of his passing.
‘We would also like to thank the community for their concern and assistance.’
Since news of his passing was announced, social media users left tributes to the teenager.
One person posted: ‘I hate this update. I was praying for a happy ending. He went to my kiddos school. RIP Bradley prayers for his family.’
Another added: ‘I am so sorry to hear this news. I’m sure it brings closure to the family, but I cannot imagine what these folks are going through.
‘As a father of a child on the spectrum, this is my worst fear. RIP Bradley, and may the Klose family rest easier at night now. You’ll be in our families thoughts and prayers.’