Avonte Oquendo has been missing since Oct. 4, 2013. (credit: Handout) Avonte Oquendo had been missing since Oct. 4, 2013. The medical examiner's office confirmed on Jan. 21, 2014 that remains found along the East River are a DNA match. (credit: Handout)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) – A family’s worst fears have been realized.

The remains discovered washed up along the East River in College Point, Queens last week are a match for missing autistic teenage Avonte Oquendo, the medical examiner’s office said Tuesday afternoon.

The ME’s office was still working to determine the cause and manner of death.

Oquendo, 14, was last seen leaving his Long Island City school on Oct. 4. He suffered a severe form of autism and was unable to communicate verbally.