VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. (THECOUNT) — A statement released Saturday on Facebook posted on behalf of family members of missing Virginia Beach woman, Denise Martin, confirmed that a body found in Virginia Beach Wednesday in-fact was the 22-year-old.

Martin, a Longwood University graduate, had been missing since June 19.

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After sitting down with Denise’s father, we’ve agreed that given the attention Denise’s case has gotten over the past week, the time has come to announce this publicly.

It is with a heavy heart I say, that after hearing from officials, it has been confirmed that the body found was in fact Denise’s.

Thank you to all that shared Denise’s story and helped in the search for her whether it was as a volunteer on foot, sharing a post, or saying a prayer.

We ask that in this time and in the weeks to come, family and friends- keeping in mind those of us that took to social media as a means to helping in the search- are given the time to begin the healing process and mourn the loss of a beautiful daughter, sister, girlfriend and friend.

From me to Denise Martin- Rest In Peace, babe. I love you with all my heart. You are and will always be, my person.

This is not the end of Denise’s story.

~ Miriam Stephanie Graciela Loya

Virginia Beach Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.