BARRY COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan State Police have ended the search for a prominent Michigan attorney after his body was found Thursday.

Michael Hodge, 76, of Delton, was found during an extensive K9 search, according to state police.

“MSP would like to extend their sincere condolences to Mr. Hodge’s family, friends and all who knew him,” state police said. “This is truly the most unfortunate outcome for all of us. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, partners and other law enforcement resources near and far who assisted in the search for Mr. Hodge over the past several days.”

Hodge’s daughter, Meghan Hodge Groen, also thanked the public for their help in the search for her father.

“We are truly grateful for the friends, volunteers, media outlets and police officers who worked together to find my father,” Groen said in a Facebook post. “The outpouring of love, concern and support is a testament to the special way my father connected with people and touched so many lives in his professional capacity, as a friend and as a loving father and grandfather. We hope people will remember his incredible sense of humor, intelligence, charm, warmth and uncanny ability to connect with people. We miss him so much and our hearts are broken. THANK YOU everyone for your support, love and prayers.”

The attorney was last seen on Friday, Nov. 8, and state police questioned her public for assistance on November 10 while they were looking for him.

As the search was underway, Hodge’s daughter said in a Facebook post that her father had “some degree of dementia” and was often out for walks, but never gone for long.

State police have not released details about where Hodge was found.

Hodge was a prominent attorney who spent decades working at Miller Canfield. He has experience in government, labor and commercial litigation, according to Miller Canfield’s website, and has handled election law matters. Hodge also served as legal counsel to former Gov. James Blanchard from 1987 to 1990, according to his LinkedIn page.