The body of Brian Lopez, a missing 17-year-old Lynn, Massachusetts, boy who has been the subject of an extensive search, was found Tuesday.
Law enforcement has been searching for the teen for several days. The investigation was focused on the Lynn Woods Reservation, one of his favorite spots. Lynn police said he was found in Walden Pond, in the area of the Saugus/Lynnfield line along Route 1.
Lopez was a rising senior at Lynn Classical High School. He was reported missing Friday.
He was last seen on surveillance video leaving his Warren Place home wearing a hoodie and a backpack. His phone was found miles away from his home.
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said officials have tentatively identified the body found in the water Tuesday as Lopez based on his clothing and backpack, which appear to be the same ones seen in the surveillance footage. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make positive identification.
At this time, no foul play is suspected and authorities do not believe anyone else was involved, Tucker said.
Police said the cause of Lopez's death is under investigation, adding that there is not believed to be a threat to the public.
"We offer our sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of Brian Lopez during this difficult time," Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy said in a statement.
Fatima Martinez, Lopez's sister, described her brother as "the best kid in the world, the best brother we ever had."
"He was very affectionate, too," she said.
His uncle, Oscar Herrera, was at the scene and had the difficult task of notifying his family.
"I called his mother, my sister, and both sisters, and I had to give them the news," said Herrera, visibly affected.
Hours before the body was found, Lopez's mother was taken to a local hospital after reporting that she had a bad feeling.
"She said that before they gave her the news, she already knew that her son was already dead," said Martinez.
