Kristin Cavallari's "heart is in a million pieces" after the death of her brother Michael.

The 28-year-old television personality posted a touching tribute to her late sibling online on Thursday (10Dec15) after his body was discovered by authorities weeks after he was reported missing in Utah.

After confirming the sad news in a statement and asking fans and the media to respect her family's privacy as they grieve the tragedy, she took to Instagram and wrote: "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. 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."

Kristin attached the caption to a sweet throwback photo of herself with her brother when they were just children and she ended the touching message with a broken heart emoji.

Police in Utah launched a search for Michael over two weeks ago, after his 2014 Honda Civic was found abandoned by the side of the Interstate 70 in Grand County, Utah on 27 November (15), the day after Thanksgiving holiday.

The exact circumstances surrounding Michael's death have not yet been revealed, but reports suggest he was experiencing troubles in his personal life ahead of his passing. Orange County, California police records reveal he was arrested on 23 November (15), just days before his disappearance.

Kristin and her husband Jay Cutler welcomed their third child, daughter Saylor, just four days before Michael went missing.