A Charlotte family is mourning after 23-year-old Jonathan Dailey was confirmed dead by Massachusetts authorities on Tuesday.

Dailey had been missing since last Tuesday night. The Charlotte native was in Boston, studying at Boston Architectural College.

Dailey and his family were active at MorningStar Fellowship Church in Fort Mill, S.C.

Pastor Rick Joyner said the church plans to hold a prayer service and memorial for Dailey in the coming days.

He said he has reached out to the family to express the love and support from the congregation.

Church members have been praying for Dailey's safe return and Joyner said he was stunned when he heard the police announcement.

Dailey's aunt, Bonita Absher, said before the announcement that it was difficult for the family to understand why he left his apartment in the first place and what could have happened.

"He had just the clothes on his back," she said. "He didn't have ID with him. We think he may have had $100, but it was like he was casually going out at 8:30 in the evening to get some coffee."

Investigators have not released how he died but sources say Dailey's body was tied to a cinder block and weighed down.

Dailey’s roommate said he can’t imagine who would want to hurt his friend or why his friend would want to hurt himself.

“He’s very charismatic, great friend to all he met … Tough tease, but everyone knew it was in good nature,” said roommate Miles Smith.

A Facebook page where the family wrote comments while searching for Dailey and where others posted encouragement put up a photo reading "Jonathan Dailey, safe in the arms of the Lord."

A post that appeared to be from Dailey's sister read: "We just found out that my dear brother Jonathan is with Jesus. We are in shock. Please lift us up, we are devastated."

Joyner said now, the church is praying for answers and comfort for Dailey's family.

"We've got to be there for them for the long-term... however long it takes to get them through it," he said. "It's the worst tragedy any parent could ever go through."