Family and friends of NBA player Lorenzen Wright are mourning his death, as police discovered the body of a man outside of Memphis, Tennessee, which has been identified as Wright.

Earlier this week, reports began to surface that the player had been missing since last week. His family filed a missing person's report last week and authorities were investigating the matter.

Police investigators phoned Wright's father, Herb, on Wednesday afternoon (July 28) to break the bad news.

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, who was just 34 years old, was last seen on July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22.

Reports say that he was driving in Memphis to see his six children, who were set to drive to Atlanta with him.

The circumstances surrounding his death were unknown at press time. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

He played in the NBA for 13 years, with stints for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers with 17 games in the 2008-09 season.

Wright played with the University of Memphis, but left early to join the NBA. He was drafted #7 overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.

He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career games.