DEARBORN HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- The search for a missing adult with autism has come to a tragic end, as his body was discovered in Wayne County's Hines Park.
WWJ's Darrylin Horne was on the scene at Hines Drive near Outer Drive, where authorities confirmed that 30-year-old Yousif Naim was found dead Thursday afternoon.
According to police, Naim went missing after leaving his mother's home, near Warren and Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights, at around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
"Police were concerned after 24 hours had gone past, and they invited people in the community to come out and help search for him in hopes that they would find him alive," Horne reported.
About two hours into the large-scale search effort, officials said the body was found at around 3 p.m.
"At least a hundred volunteers from the community came out in the search, so this is very devastating for a lot of them here," Horne said.
While an law enforcement source told WWJ that the person found was indeed Naim, Dearborn Heights Police said work will be completed to make an official ID.
"At this time, the individual has not been officially identified; however, the body appears to match the description of the person involved," police said, in a statement. "We are awaiting further confirmation from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. The search effort [for Naim] has since been called off, but the investigation remains ongoing."
It's not yet clear exactly how Naim died.
Early information is that his body was found in the river, pinpointed with the help of a thermal drone.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said, in a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. While the outcome was certainly tragic, I am heartened by the massive community turnout of residents, employees, police officers, firefighters and neighboring law enforcement agencies who stepped up to help with the search.”
It remained an active scene into the early evening hours on Thursday, as investigators seek answers as to exactly what happened.
Police Chief Michael Guzowski expressed his gratitude to the community and numerous law enforcement agencies, first responders, and community members who assisted in the search effort.
“We have assigned a victim advocate and will continue to support the family throughout this process, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need during this incredibly difficult time," Guzowski said.
Officials said more information will be released to the public as it becomes available.