A two-week-long search for a missing Austin man has ended in tragedy. The body of 24-year-old Cristian Rangel was discovered in a neighborhood in Southeast Austin, officials confirmed.

According to the Austin Police Department, Rangel's remains were located on April 19 in the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road, which is roughly 8 miles from where he was last reportedly seen. The Austin American Statesman relayed details from an APD news release that stated the young man was last observed at an early hour, 1:30 a.m., on April 8 in the passenger seat of a light-colored SUV in a Walmart parking lot in Sunset Valley.

As the investigation proceeds to try and piece together Rangel's final hours, law enforcement officials have stopped short of classifying the death. No clear indication has been given whether authorities are treating the find as a homicide. The Austin Police Department has not offered further comments on the ongoing investigation as of Wednesday.

Police are now calling for public assistance to shed light on the circumstances leading up to Rangel's death. They urge anyone with information to reach out. A spokesperson for the department emphasized the importance of community help in a statement obtained by KXAN, stating that, "A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information that leads to an arrest." Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers by visiting their website or by calling the dedicated tip line.

The sudden loss of Cristian Rangel has undoubtedly left many unanswered questions. Austin Police Department encourages those with any relevant information to be proactive and contribute to the unraveling of this distressing event.