The family confirmed Sunil's death Thursday in a statement on the same Facebook page that had been so voraciously attacked after the untruth about his Boston connection spread — and they are trying to stay positive after the hate:

On April 23, our beloved Sunil was discovered in the waters off India Point Park in Providence, Rhode Island.



As we carry indescribable grief, we also feel incredible gratitude. To each one of you–from our hometown to many distant lands–we extend our thanks for the words of encouragement, for your thoughts, for your hands, for your prayers, and for the love you have so generously shared.



Your compassionate spirit is felt by Sunil and by all of us.



This last month has changed our lives forever, and we hope it will change yours too. Take care of one another. Be gentle, be compassionate. Be open to letting someone in when it is you who is faltering. Lend your hand. We need it. The world needs it.

Tripathi's story first came to national prominence two weeks after his March 16 disappearance, with this ABC News report on the expanding search for the Brown student.

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