Kristin Cavallari says her brother, Michael Cavallari, has been found dead

Kristin Cavallari's brother Michael Cavallari has been found dead, she confirmed Thursday, nearly two weeks after his car was found deserted in Utah.

"We have just been informed by the authorities my brother's body has been found," the reality TV veteran and fashion designer said in a statement obtained by a number of outlets, including the Los Angeles Times. "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."

Later, on Instagram, she posted an early childhood shot of herself and her brother, ending her touching caption with a broken-heart emoji.

My heart is in a million pieces. 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 ¿¿¿¿

A photo posted by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari) on Dec 10, 2015 at 1:42pm PST

"My heart is in a million pieces," she wrote. "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."

In her statement, Cavallari, 28, who is married to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and is a mother of three, also thanked "everyone for their love, support and prayers during this very difficult time."

A body believed to be that of Michael Cavallari was found Thursday around 10:30 a.m. Mountain time and transported to the medical examiner for identification and an autopsy, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The body was found in "a steep and very rocky area" in the Salt Wash area, near exit 175 on Interstate 70, authorities said. On Tuesday, 30 officers with search dogs and drones had been out looking for Cavallari in that area, about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City, the Associated Press said.

Michael Cavallari, a San Clemente resident, had last been seen in Southern California on Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, according to Grand County Sheriff Steve White. The 30-year-old's Honda Civic was found abandoned against an embankment around 8 a.m. Nov. 27, reportedly with its airbags deployed, about 100 feet off a road and five miles south of I-70. Using cellphone and credit card records that led them to security footage, authorities determined that he had been at a convenience store about 95 miles from the car around 3:30 a.m. that day.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that 30 officers with search dogs and drones were looking for Cavallari about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City.

I appreciate all the concern, thoughts, and prayers that have been extended to me and my family. We remain hopeful and I will share any news that we receive. I have such gratitude for all those that have shared their support.

A photo posted by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari) on Dec 7, 2015 at 7:33am PST

Michael Cavallari had been arrested in Orange County on Nov. 23 on suspicion of making criminal threats against a woman who knew him, the Associated Press reported. Orange County sheriff's records show he was bailed out of jail in the wee hours on Nov. 25.

According to CBS News, after allegedly seeing Cavallari "with a shotgun pressed to his shoulder and the barrel raised parallel to the ground, aiming down the path" toward her apartment, the woman called police. As they were responding, Cavallari reportedly called authorities as well to report that he was headed to Dana Point City Hall to surrender. A loaded shotgun was found in his trunk, the Associated Press said.

The woman told authorities that a dispute between her and Cavallari had started Nov. 11, when they had an argument, CBS said. He had been knocking on her door in the days between then and his arrest, she reportedly told police.

Cavallari "was always a troubled kid and there was always drama with him," a source told People on Monday. His sister "was always trying to help him. He had been trying to produce reality shows a while ago, but it didn't work out."

Kristin Cavallari made her mark in "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" and "The Hills."

Follow Christie D'Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs.

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UPDATES:

5:56 p.m.: This article was updated to remove a sentence saying Kristin Cavallari's rep did not respond to the Los Angeles Times' request for comment.

3:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include Kristin Cavallari's Instagram tribute to her late brother.

This article was originally published at 2:14 p.m.