Authorities say former NBA player Lorenzen Wright whose body was found in a wooded area outside of Memphis was shot to death.

Memphis police said Thursday that the Shelby County medical examiner’s office reported that Wright died of a gunshot wound.

Family members had said Wednesday that police told them Wright’s body had been found but authorities wouldn’t immediately confirm it.

Wright is a 34-year-old Memphis native and was last seen around midnight on July 18. His family filed a missing person report with police on July 22.

The family issued a statement through a cousin of Lorenzen Wright, Camella Logan: “Lorenzen’s family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss.”

Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion, arrived at the scene where the body was found Wednesday night with a handful of family members. She crossed the crime scene tape and tried to talk to police when she was told to move back. She sat in a TV van before returning to the tape. Two officers then let her through.

The distraught Marion then started running down the road toward the crime scene before being stopped by an officer. She spoke with officers, then walked back past reporters without speaking straight to a van.

The 34-year-old Wright was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22.