She lost her brother Michael Cavallari to hypothermia three years ago.
And on the third anniversary of his passing, Kristin Cavallari took to social media on Tuesday to reveal she was finding this year harder than the last.
Sharing a sweet photo together, the 31-year-old confessed that it was finally ‘real’ that he wasn’t coming back.
Mourning: Kristin Cavallari penned a touching tribute to her brother Michael on his third death anniversary on Tuesday.
‘Home from a busy morning and thinking of my brother,’ she penned.
‘Today is the 3 year anniversary of his passing and I think this year is one of the hardest – as it’s real now. He’s not coming back and the shock is finally gone.’
She continued: ‘Today and every single day, Mikey, we miss you.’
Heartbreaking: ‘Today is the 3 year anniversary of his passing and I think this year is one of the hardest – as it’s real now. He’s not coming back and the shock is finally gone’
The monochrome photo saw a young Kristin in a three quarter sleeve dress enjoying a glass of wine next to her elder brother enjoying a beer.
The last few months of Michael’s life wasn’t smooth sailing – with multiple arrests for a DUI and alleged verbal disputes.
On November 23, 2015, the same day that Kristin and her husband Jay Cutler welcomed their first child, Michael was arrested for ‘making criminal threats’ to an unnamed female who had called authorities on him earlier in the month.
Two days later he was released from jail after making bail but on November 27, 2015, a 2014 Honda Civic registered to his name was found abandoned in Grand County Utah – approximately five miles south of exit 175 on Interstate 70.
Kristin took to social media on December 7 after no word from her missing brother and wrote that she ‘remained hopeful’.
Helping hand: Kristin appeared on Tyler Henry’s Hollywood Medium show earlier in the year to find some answers following his sudden death
Devastating: On November 27, 2015, a 2014 Honda Civic registered to Michael’s name was found abandoned in Grand County Utah – approximately five miles south of exit 175 on Interstate 70
‘I appreciate all the concern, thoughts, and prayers that have been extended to me and my family,’ penned the new mom.
‘We remain hopeful and I will share any news that we receive. I have such gratitude for all those that have shared their support.’
However, three days later on December 10, 2015, Michael was found dead.
In February 2016, the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that his death was accidental and was caused my hypothermia from exposure to cold temperatures.
While there was initial speculation over whether he committed suicide, law enforcement officials told E! News after he was found that he most likely died from prolonged exposure to the elements.
Looking for answers: ‘When my brother died, he got out of his car and he was walking. I don’t think he wanted to be found but did it get to a point where he got lost out there?’ she asked Tyler
‘Michael Cavallari’s body was found three miles from where his car was wrecked in the high desert of Grand County, Utah. There were no signs of major trauma and no suicide note,’ officials explained to us at the time. ‘Cops did not find any evidence of drugs or alcohol either.’
And earlier in the year, Kristin turned to Hollywood Medium, Tyler Henry, for answers.
‘He was dealing with some demons. there’s no doubt about it,’ the former Hills star said.
‘When my brother died, he got out of his car and he was walking. I don’t think he wanted to be found but did it get to a point where he got lost out there?’ she asked.
Tyler responded: ‘I kept hearing, “I didn’t know what was going on,” and then there’s an emphasis on two factors playing on someone’s mental state.’
‘It’s kind of like, “There’s no saving me”.’
Kristin replied: ‘It kills me.’