Philip Kreycik's Family Grapples With Grief And Gratitude

PLEASANTON, CA — The wife and parents of Philip Kreycik, an ultramarathon runner reported missing nearly a month ago in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, made their first public comments Thursday, two days after a body presumed to be his was found in the park.

"When you're hoping for a miracle, you don't realize that its that last bit of hope that's been carrying you on," said wife Jen Yao. "It was brutal when that was taken away."

While the family of Philip Kreycik, 37, of Berkeley continues to grapple with the grief of likely losing a son, father of two young children and husband, they spoke of a deep gratitude to the residents of Pleasanton and beyond who came together to volunteer for or donate to search efforts.

Despite the pain, mother Marcia Kreycik said they've found joy, love and community through the experience. Those who helped out, she said, are "new friends."

"I just love the people we've met here," she said.

Yao reflected on the fragility of life.

"Even when we think we have everything under control, even when we think we're strong and capable, accidents can happen that can really derail us from the course we set ourselves on, from the life we so carefully plan, so preciously plan," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Yao said she struggled to find the words to express her gratitude and wanted to personally know every person who helped their family. She wanted to learn their names and even their occupations.

The searchers and community who rallied behind the family gave them the strength to keep going, said father Keith Kreycik. It's been painful yet joyful to reflect on the blessings his family has counted and the family is trying to look to the future, he said.

"Hold your family close, make the world the kind of place that you want to raise your children in," said Keith Kreycik, who added that his son had lofty ambitions of improving the environment. "Help each other raise your children, keep your family strong."

"And realize that the world is your family," Marcia Kreycik said. "We had no idea how much community, how much love there is out there."

The Alameda County Coroner's Bureau confirmed Thursday that the body found Tuesday in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park has not yet been identified, though sheriff's office spokesperson Ray Kelly said hours after the discovery that all evidence points to the likelihood that the body is Philip Kreycik's.

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Watch the full news conference from CBS.

Full coverage from Patch:

• Missing Runner's Body 'Likely' Found In Pleasanton, Police Say
• Philip Kreycik Search Revived Over The Weekend To No Avail
• Pleasanton Officials Resume Search For Philip Kreycik
• Missing Hiker: $80K Raised For Family, Friend Shares New Details
• Missing Runner: 1K Donate To Search Efforts, Family
• Pleasanton Locals Drive Search For Missing Runner Philip Kreycik
• Officials Scale Back Search As It Enters Day 6
• Missing Pleasanton Hiker Either Incapacitated Or Gone: Officials
• Volunteers Sought As Search For Philip Kreycik Continues