Duluth emergency workers on Friday recovered a man's body from the water near Canal Park in an area where a University of Minnesota Duluth student went missing earlier this week.

Later Friday, the family of Inver Grove Heights native Jacob Michael Lavoie, 21, said the body was his. Police confirmed that Saturday.

Officials said the body was recovered about 3 p.m. Friday from the Minnesota Slip, where the William A. Irvine had been docked before it was moved for repairs.

In its statement, the family said: "We are devastated by the loss of Jacob. He was our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to law enforcement, the University of Minnesota Duluth, the entire Duluth community, the Inver Grove Heights community, as well as everyone far and wide for your caring and concern in helping us locate Jacob. Now that Jacob has been found, we ask for your prayers, and also ask that you respect our privacy during our time of great loss. Thank you."

Earlier this week, police had asked for the public's help in finding Lavoie. Family members said he went missing after going out with friends Saturday night. He was last seen about midnight at Grandma's Sports Garden at Canal Park, police said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up at www.gofundme.com/f/jacob-lavoie-fund to help the family.

Mary Lynn Smith • 612-673-4788