ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A body found Friday in a Pinellas County nature preserve has been identified as missing teen Allister Nasr.

The 17-year-old was last seen alive on March 1 when he left his east St. Petersburg home on a bicycle. 

For more than two weeks, detectives, family members and community groups searched for the teen — issuing a statewide missing child alert and handing out neighborhood flyers. 

On Wednesday, March 12, the search intensified after Nasr’s bicycle was found near the Weedon Island Preserve, south of Gandy Boulevard. In addition to trekking through the area on foot, authorities used drones, helicopters, thermal imaging and boats to aid in the search. 

Nasr’s body was found “deep in the Weedon Island Preserve,” according to police. The area near the preserve is surrounded by thick vegetation and a public works construction site filled with sand, mud and mangroves.

The Pinellas County medical examiner is still working to determine a cause of death. Police said there are no signs of trauma and no reason to suspect foul play.

Allister Nasr’s family shared the following statement with 10 Tampa Bay:

It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our youngest son, Allister. He was a kind, loving, and gentle soul who never raised his voice to anyone — a devoted son, brother, and grandson who brought warmth and kindness to all who knew him. 

We are deeply grateful to the community, friends, and his school for their support during our search for him. Your kindness has meant so much to our family. 

As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we ask for privacy to grieve and honor Allister’s memory in peace. 

Thank you for your understanding and compassion.