Kristin Cavallari's brother 'found dead' two weeks after car found abandoned in Utah

Kristin said her 'heart is broken'

Kristin paid tribute to her brother, saying 'I could always count on you to make me laugh' (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Kristin Cavallari has paid tribute to her brother after he is believed to have been found dead, two weeks after his car was found abandoned.

Michael Cavallari’s remains are thought to have been found in a steep and rocky area of southern Utah, according to the Grand County Sheriff.

The 30-year-old’s Honda Civic was found abandoned with the engine running and the air bag deployed at the end of November, his phone and laptop were still in the car. On finding his car, law enforcement officials previously called the circumstances ‘suspicious’ but said there was “nothing to indicate anything one way or another”.

The car was found off a dirt road near an interstate highway, according to the rancher who discovered the car there was no blood or signs of foul play.

The vehicle was found two days after Michael was bailed out of a Southern Californian jail for allegedly making threats.

Kristin, who found fame starring in the US reality television programmes Laguna Beach and The Hills, posted a photograph of her and Michael as children on Instagram.

 

A photo posted by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari) on Dec 10, 2015 at 1:42pm PST

She captioned the image: “My heart is in a million pieces. Mikey, I could always count on you to make me laugh. You had such a a good heart and will be forever missed.

“I’m at a loss for words but I know you are in a better place and finally at peace. I love you so much. Rip”

Presently, investigators believe Michael was passing through Utah, perhaps not sure where he was going.

His body has been taken to Utah’s medical examiner to determine the identity and cause of death.

Michael was single and he had no children. His only sister, Kristin, is married to NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, the couple have three children.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.