EDMONTON - A family friend has confirmed an autistic man who went missing earlier this week has passed away.
Josie Trasher told Global News the Bortscher family has identified the body of their missing son, Jarrett Bortscher.
The family filed a missing persons report with the Edmonton Police on Monday. John Bortscher said his son went for a walk after supper on Sunday, from their Duggan home, but never returned.
"Words cannot express the family's loss. Jarrett was a wonderful son and brother. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed," said family friend Josie Thrasher, in a release issued Tuesday.
Jarrett suffered from catatonia and Asperger's Syndrome. Thrasher says his mental health often left him unable to ask for help.
"The family is profoundly grateful for the tremendous efforts, support, love, and kindness that friends and Edmontonians have shown since Jarrett's disappearance," added Thrasher.
With files from Postmedia News.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.