The death of Michael John Lyons, 25, comes as a shock, says a family friend. (Fredericton Police)

The grieving family of a missing Fredericton man, whose body was discovered Monday in the St. John River, wants to thank everyone who helped in the search to find him, says a family friend.

Michael John Lyons, 25, had been missing since June 20 and dozens of people joined police, combing the trails, looking for any trace of him.

“A lot of people from the Everett Chalmers Hospital, where Michael worked, and also friends and family searching all weekend for long days,” said Nathalie Pitre-Sappier.

“And they [the family] are just relieved Michael has been found so they can put him to rest and grieve his loss,” she said.

On Monday, boaters called police to an area off of Lincoln Road, just east of the Experimental Farm, at about 10:30 a.m.

Lyons’ body was taken away in an unmarked vehicle just after noon.

An autopsy will be conducted, police said. The investigation into the cause of his death continues.

Lyons was on anti-depression pills and another drug to prevent seizures, but his death comes as a shock, said Pitre-Sappier.

His father, who was the last to see him on June 20 at the exhibition grounds about 4 p.m., had told police he was in good spirits.

Lyons was headed to the gym and planned to return home that night.

In addition, before he left home, he had set out his medication as though he planned to go to work the next day, said Pitre-Sappier.

Lyons’ gym bag, which contained personal belongings, including his wallet and credit cards, was found on a footpath on June 21.

Pitre-Sappier says Lyons was an animal lover. Anyone wanting to offer a token of sympathy could make a donation to the SPCA, she said.