Sergio Brown's family is Esthenfacing an unimaginable tragedy.

Amid the ongoing search for the missing ex-NFL player in Illinois, his mom Myrtle Simmons Brown has been found dead, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to E! News on Sept 18. She was 73.

Myrtle's cause of death has been declared as multiple injuries due to assault. The manner of death was ruled as homicide.

Officers found Myrtle's body on Sept. 16, the same day she and Sergio were reported missing by family, according to a Maywood Police Department press release.

Myrtle was discovered "unresponsive near a creek to the rear of her residence." Sergio, who stepped away from the NFL in 2016, has not been located.

The Maywood Police Department are investigating the incident, per the press release.

Nick Brown, Sergio's brother, mourned the loss of his mom on Instagram Sept. 17, thanking supporters for "all of your outreach, help, love and condolences."

"It's a sad but hopeful time, and we will all get through this together," he captioned an Instagram carousel of Myrtle. "Mom always told me, 'tough times don't last' and our last conversation about tough times being temporary is my beacon of hope."

He then dedicated a message to Myrtle, adding, "Mom, thank you for being strong, caring, diligent, fancy, funny, and for saving my art. I won't let you down."

Nick concluded his message with a plea to supporters to not approach his family's property, citing the ongoing investigation.

"My brother Sergio is still missing," Nick wrote. "If anyone knows where he is I want him to know that I love you and please come home."

Prior to leaving the NFL, Sergio played for the Buffalo Bills in 2016, Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2014 and New England Patriots from 2011-2010. He is 35.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App