Michael Cavallari, the brother of former “The Hills” star Kristin Cavallari, likely died at least in part due to exposure to the elements, a spokesman for the Grand County, Utah, Sheriff’s Department told TheWrap on Friday.
The spokesman said that law enforcement believes that exposure to the elements was a “contributing factor” in Cavallari’s death.
Currently there is no evidence that Cavallari committed suicide, or that drugs or alcohol played a part in his death, the spokesman added. However, he noted, the cause of death will not be known until the medical examiner completes an investigation.
The Utah Medical Examiner had no comment for TheWrap on Cavallari’s case.
Utah law enforcement was first called in about Michael Cavallari’s disappearance on Nov. 27, when it received a report about an abandoned 2014 Honda Civic which appeared to have veered into a ditch 100 feet off Interstate 70.
On Thursday, the Grand County, Utah, sheriff’s department said that search crews located remains believed to be Michael Cavallari’s at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. The crews were searching the Salt Wash area, near exit 175 on I-70 in Grand County.
The terrain where Cavallari’s body was discovered is described as “a steep and very rocky area.”
“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,” Cavallari said in a statement to People on Thursday. “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.”