Body Found in Providence Confirmed To Be Missing Brown Student 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 Thursday.

"The past 38 days remind us of the fragility of our families, communities, and country. Our family and friends and many new friends keep us going, as does our love for Sunny," the Tripathi family wrote on a Facebook page that was created to help find Sunil.

The Tripathi 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.  

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.