Body Found in Providence Confirmed To Be Sunil Tripathi

The body of a man pulled from the Providence River this week is that of missing Brown University student Sunil Tripathi, the state Department of Health confirmed on Thursday.

"The past 38 days remind us of the fragility of our families, communities, and country," the Tripathi family wrote on a Facebook page that was created to help find Sunil. 

The family remained optimistic for Sunil's return since he walked out of his apartment on the East Side of Providence on March 16, leaving his his cellphone, credit card, ID, and other personal items at home.

"This last month has changed our lives forever, and we hope it will change yours too," the family said Thursday. "As we carry indescribable grief, we also feel incredible gratitude. To each one of you — from our hometown to many distant lands — we extend our thanks for the words of encouragement, for your thoughts, for your hands, for your prayers, and for the love you have so generously shared."

the Boston Marathon bombing suspect after his name was reportedly heard over the Boston Police radio.  His mother, Judy Tripathi, described the long night before the bombers were identified as "heart-wrenching and exhausting."

"Be kind, be gentle, and continue to lend your hand. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers," said the Tripathi family.

Officials said the cause of Tripathi's death is still under investigation.