(WWJ) -- The parents of 18-year-old Brendan Santo took to social media sharing their gratitude and saying that the last three months have been the "most difficult experience imaginable."
Brendan's parents, Brad and Wendy Santo, thanked those over Facebook for supporting their family, specifically Ryan and Katie Robinson, who found their son in the Red Cedar River on MSU's campus on Jan. 21.
"The pain simply cannot be put into words," wrote the parents. "We would not have been able to get through this without the overwhelming love, prayers and support from so many people in our community and beyond. Both people we know and many whom we have never met. This gives us great strength and hope that Brendan's story and infectious smile united so many especially in these challenging times."
They also thanked Brendan's aunt, Dawn Brewer, who had organized all of the searches and created the "Bring Brendan Home" Facebook page that garnered over 45,000 BBH Warriors.
Volunteers were acknowledged for their search efforts, sending a special thanks to the Lansing Oar & Paddle club, kayakers and the climbers who "scaled the steep sides of the riverbanks."
The family also expressed their appreciation to all the members of the task force that supported the search efforts, specifically thanking the dive teams from Oakland County, Michigan State Police and the Capitol Area.
The parents have asked for privacy in the coming days as they grieve the loss of their son.
"We prayed the outcome would be different but finding him will allow our family and friends along with Brendan's friends closure, so we can begin the healing process," wrote the parents.
They ended the letter by writing that they plan to support Brendan's legacy by focusing on the things he was most passionate about, like helping people, participating in youth sports, and loving animals -- especially dogs.
