Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicUPDATE: Upham's manager Richard Kerner tells E! News in a statement, "Such sad and tragic news. Misty's star will always shine brightly! Misty was a talented and kind soul. I am proud to have been part of her journey. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to all Misty's family , friends and fans."
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More than two weeks after Misty Upham was reported missing, the actress' family has confirmed she is dead. The Auburn Police Department told E! News Thursday that it had found a body "presumed" to be Misty, 32, though it was awaiting "positive identification" from the King County medical examiner. Later, a spokeswoman for the Uphams confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the body was indeed Misty's.
Local filmmaker Tracy Rector, a longtime friend of Misty's, said the August: Osage County star's uncle, Robert Upham, found her body along with two other searchers. Charles Upham, Misty's father, later confirmed the Frozen River star's identity to the authorities. "We waited at the site where the team found the body," said Tracy, who was part of the search party. "It took about five-and-a-half hours to confirm. Then we gathered around her body to say prayers and now we're all gathered at the church."
Misty's cause of death has yet to be determined. However, as the Auburn Police Department told E! News Thursday, "At this point we do not have any evidence or information to believe there is foul play."
On Oct. 10, Charles told The Hollywood Reporter that his daughter suffered from bipolar disorder and was off her medication when she disappeared, leading him to believe that she may have been suicidal. On Thursday night, however, Tracy said the Uphams no longer believed that was the case, saying, "The family has stated that, after seeing the body, they still do not feel that Misty Upham committed suicide."
As news of Misty's passing spread, her former colleagues shared their condolences.
Misty played for Meryl Streep's caretaker in August: Osage County. The Oscar winner paid her respects, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "So, so sad to hear this news—all our thoughts are with her family and with her beautiful spirit." Juliette Lewis, who co-starred with Misty in August: Osage County, tweeted, "I cant sleep. Too much darkness. I feel so sad about Misty. I know she has more to say. And about how she died. #RIPMistyUpham." Actress Melissa Leo, whose character worked with Upham's to smuggle illegal immigrants from Canada into America in Frozen River, added, "Such a loss...so sad, so so sad."
"The world will be a colder place without Misty's warm heart, and she will be sorely missed at PETA," PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk told E! News in a statement Friday. "She was extremely kind and cared deeply about animals, constantly calling for protection for the bears suffering in roadside zoos on tribal land, a call we will carry forward in her honor. It's a tragedy whenever anyone dies before their time, but Misty Upham was a friend to us and to animals everywhere."