The search for a missing Edmonton man was called off Saturday after a dead body was discovered in the Mill Creek Ravine.

Family members tell CTV News the body discovered was that of Alex Thomas-Haug, 24, who had gone missing earlier this week.

The body was found in the area of 91 Street and 73 Avenue, near the neighbourhood of Hazledean in south Edmonton, by residents walking their dogs in the ravine early Saturday morning.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the body or the cause of death pending an autopsy.

"It could even be Tuesday before they have a positive identity and the reason for death is announced," said Scott Pattinson with the Edmonton Police Service.

But Thomas-Haug's mother Lorna Thomas confirmed with CTV News that her son had been found dead Saturday morning.

Thomas said her son had a "gentle soul" and that the support over the past week has shown that "he touched a lot of lives in a positive way."

"Obviously you're not happy for an outcome like this but there's closure," Thomas said.

"Not just for our family but [for] all the people that came out to help."

On Saturday, hundreds of condolences from friends and those who had never even met Thomas-Haug poured in on a Facebook page originally launched to help find the missing man.

Thomas-Haug went missing Monday near his home at 95 Street and 73 Avenue.

A friend had dropped him off at home at around 4 a.m.

His mother told CTV News earlier this week that her son must have realized he didn't have his house keys, which he had left at a friend's house, located on the other side of Mill Creek Ravine.

A search party that included hundreds had been launched to help find Thomas-Haug when he never returned home. Thousands more helped spread the word to find Thomas-Haug through social media websites.

Police had originally called the lack of any activity on his phone, bank and social media accounts "out of character and suspicious."

Family and friends said Saturday that Thomas-Haug's death had been deemed non-criminal.

Though officers have not officially said what caused the death of the body found in the ravine, they are not ruling out foul play.

Still, Thomas-Haug's mother has made it very clear what she believed happened to her son.

"We're encouraging all of the public to listen to this message very carefully. If you're feeling depressed or suicidal, please get help," his mother said.

A walk, candlelight vigil and community potluck is taking place on Sunday in memory of Thomas-Haug.

With files from Sean Amato