BARRY COUNTY, Michigan. – Michigan State Police have ended the search for a prominent Michigan attorney after his body was discovered Thursday.

Michael Hodge, 76, of Delton, was found during an extensive K9 search, according to state police.

“MSP would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all who knew him,” state police said. “This is truly the most unfortunate outcome for all of us. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, partners and other law enforcement from here and abroad who helped search for Mr. Hodge over the past several days.

Hodge’s daughter, Meghan Hodge Groen, also thanked the public for their help in the search for her father.

“We are truly grateful to the friends, volunteers, media and police officers who worked together to help find my father,” Groen said in a Facebook post. “The outpouring of love, concern and support is a testament to the special way my father connected with people and touched so many lives in his professional capacity, as a friend and as a father and loving grandfather. We hope people remember his incredible sense of humor, his intelligence, his charm, his warmth and his uncanny ability to connect with people. We miss him dearly and our hearts are broken. THANK YOU everyone for your support, love and prayers.

The attorney was last seen on Friday, November 8, and State Police requested the public for help on November 10 while they were looking for him.

As the search continued, Hodge’s daughter said in a Facebook post that her father suffered from “some degree of dementia” and often went for walks, but never left very far. a long time.

State police have not released any details on where Hodge was found.

Hodge was a prominent lawyer who spent decades working at Miller Canfield. He had experience in government, labor and commercial litigation, according to Miller Canfield’s website, and handled election law matters. Hodge also worked as legal counsel to former Gov. James Blanchard from 1987 to 1990, according to his LinkedIn page.