The Manatee County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday morning released a statement from the family of Patrick Mullins, who has been tentatively identified as the man found dead in the Manatee River on Tuesday. He had been missing since Jan. 27.

An autopsy is being performed Wednesday to conclusively identify the remains.

The family statement reads:

The family of Patrick Mullins is in mourning. We request your understanding and compassion in giving us our privacy at this time. We wish to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the many loving and concerned individuals and organizations that have contributed their efforts and resources to resolving his disappearance.

The Mullins Family