grandcountyutah.net; Splash NewsKristin Cavallari's brother, Michael, was found dead on Thursday.
While there was some speculation over whether he committed suicide, officials tell E! News he most likely died from prolonged exposure to the elements.
Law enforcement tells us, "Michael Cavallari's body was found three miles from where his car was wrecked in the high desert of Grand County, Utah."
We're told temperatures in the area were frigid—in the teens at night and 30s during the day—and the operating theory is what eventually killed Michael, who had been missing for two weeks.
"There were no signs of major trauma and no suicide note," officials tell us. "Cops did not find any evidence of drugs or alcohol either."
However, the official cause of death is still pending toxicology reports, which are expected to be released in the next 6-8 weeks.
The brother of the former The Hills star initially raised concerns when his 2014 Honda Civic was found abandoned on Nov. 27 on I-70 in Utah, according to a press release shared by the Grand County Sheriff's Office. A Utah Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his body was finally found and transported to the medical examiner's office on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Upon the body's discovery Thursday, Kristin released the following statement to E! News: "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. 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."
Obviously, her brother's death has taken an extremely emotional toll on Kristin—who just gave birth to her third child in late November—and the rest of the Cavallari clan.
"The family is in constant touch. It's been stressful. Especially for Kristin, who is caring for two young kids and a newborn," an insider shared with us before Michael's body was found. "She's not a Hollywood mom. She doesn't have a lot of help. This has been tough on her."
Not to mention, despite Michael's person struggles—he was arrested in California before he went missing—the fashion designer and her sibling have consistently maintained a close relationship.
"She's always been protective of him," the source added, "And tried to help him however she could."
Our thoughts are with the Cavallari family during this difficult time.
—Reporting by Lindsay Good