'My heart is in a million pieces': Kristin Cavallari takes a moment alone in Chicago as it's revealed her brother Michael has been found dead

Kristin Cavallari stepped out in Chicago on Thursday as news emerged that her missing brother has been found dead. 

The 28-year-old reality star appeared somber as she wrapped up in several layers on a solo stroll around her neighbourhood.

With worry etched on her face, Kristin looked pale and deep in thought as she walked. 

Difficult times: Kristin Cavallari is pictured on Thursday as it was reported her 30-year-old brother Michael has been found dead

Michael, who was aged 30, disappeared two weeks ago during a road trip and shortly after his abandoned car was discovered off a dirt track in the Utah desert.

In a statement to People on Thursday, The Hills star said: 'We have just been informed by the authorities my brother's body has been found,

'This is a very painful time and we are still processing it all. We kindly ask everyone please respect our privacy during our time of grieving.' 

In a moving Instagram post she paid tribute to her troubled older brother 'Mikey.' 

Somber: The 28-year-old reality star looked deep in thought as she took a solo stroll in her Chicago neighbourhood

Keeping warm: The mother-of-three wrapped up against the chill in a fur lined jacket and grey beanie. She toyed with a lanyard as she walked

'My heart is in a million pieces,' she wrote. 'Mikey, I could always count on you to make me laugh. 'You had such a good heart and will be forever missed.

'I'm at a loss for words but I know u are in a better place and finally at peace. I love u so much RIP.' 

Earlier in the week she had remained hopeful that Michael would be found alive and shared another childhood throwback of the pair.

She wrote: 'I appreciate all the concern, thoughts, and prayers that have been extended to me and my family. We remain hopeful and I will share any news that we receive. I have such gratitude for all those that have shared their support.' 

Michael was last seen on November 27 at a convenience store in the town of Monticello, where he asked for directions to Salt Lake City.

Childhood snap: After the news of Michael's death Kristin shared a touching photo of the siblings writing: 'My heart is in a million pieces. Mikey, I could always count on you to make me laugh. You had such a good heart and will be forever missed'

Only sibling: Michael, 30, had been living with his father Dennis in San Clemente

His abandoned car was later found with its engine running and the air bag deployed near a remote dirt road.  

Grand County Sheriff's office told the Dailymail.com that police search crews discovered the body at around 10.30am in a steep, rocky part of the Salt Wash area, near exit 175 on I-70 in Grand County. 

People reports that while Michael had a troubled past, Kristin was very close to him. 

A source told the website: 'She was always very protective of him,

Loss: Kristin's older brother was found dead in Utah on Thursday after he went missing two weeks ago during a road trip

Uprooted: Kristin spent her formative years in Southern California but now lives in Chicago with her NFL star husband Jay Cutler and three children Camden, Jaxon and Saylor

Shared a bond: Sources say that while Michael had a troubled past, he and Kristin were very close

'She was always trying to help him. He had been trying to produce reality shows awhile ago, but it didn't work out.'

Kristin's only sibling reportedly suffered from mental health issues and had been battling alcoholism.

Kristin grew up in Southern California and rose to fame on reality shows Laguna Beach and The Hills.

She now lives in Chicago with her husband Jay Cutler, 32, a quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

The couple share three children; sons Camden, three and Jaxon, one as well as daughter Saylor who they welcomed on November 23.

Keeping busy: The TV star was pictured in Chicago with son Camden, three, on Tuesday

'I appreciate all the concern, thoughts, and prayers that have been extended to me and my family.' Kristin captioned this childhood photo of her brother on Monday