'Heartbreaking End': Human Remains Identified as Arizona Teen Last Seen Leaving Work in April

Arizona authorities announced that human remains found last week were identified as belonging to a teen who was reported missing five months ago.

Bradley Klose, 16, was last seen on April 8 leaving his workplace near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road in Peoria, according to an Arizona Department of Public Safety alert.

Bradley was considered “an endangered juvenile due to him being on the autism spectrum.” Family members described his disappearance as uncharacteristic.

Authorities said the missing teen measured 6 feet tall and weighed 175 lbs. He also had brown hair and brown eyes. The department said that he was wearing a grey or teal shirt, black pants and black tennis shoes at the time he was last seen. 

Bradley was also reported not having a cell phone with him when he went missing.

In a recent update shared on Facebook, Peoria Police announced that it was notified by Phoenix Police on Monday, Sept. 9, of a death investigation west of the Deem Hills Recreation Area at 67th Avenue and N. Pyramid Peak Parkway. It added that a body was found deceased.

“Sadly, Bradley was positively identified, and the cause of death is still being determined,” authorities said. 

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They added that there were no traces of any foul play or susp -

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icious circumstances. No suspects are currently in custody and none are being sought, police said. 

“This is obviously not the outcome that everyone was hoping for, and we would like to extend our condolences to Bradley’s family who has since been notified of his passing,” Peoria Police said. “We would also like to thank the community for their concern and assistance.”

The police also shared a statement from Bradley’s family after the news of their loved one’s death.

“This is a heartbreaking end to the search for Bradley,” the statement read. “Our family is in mourning and kindly asks for privacy as we work through this difficult time. Though this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we praise God for answering prayers and shining a light on Bradley."

The family added, "We would like to thank all of our friends, neighbors, the community and the Peoria police Department for not giving up on the search.”

In a June interview with NBC affiliate KPNX, Terri Spitz, Bradley’s aunt, said that searches were conducted and missing posters were shared throughout the community but yielded no results.

“Even though they haven’t turned out to be fruitful, people are looking and that gives us hope," Spitz said at the time. 

She added about her nephew, “We are here and we are fighting for you and we searching for you and we will find you.”

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