BROCKVILLE, Ont. – A body found in a field in eastern Ontario is that of a journalist who went missing earlier this week, police confirmed Wednesday.

Belleville, Ont., police Det. Jeremy Ashley said the body of Steve Pettibone, 39, was discovered not far from his abandoned vehicle.

Police do not suspect foul play in his death.

Pettibone’s car was found in a rural area outside Brockville, Ont., on Tuesday night, prompting an extensive search involving ATVs, a canine unit and a police helicopter that led to the discovery of the body.

Ashley said Pettibone’s family has been notified and that an autopsy will be conducted Thursday in Ottawa.

Pettibone was last seen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday when he left his home in Belleville to go to work at the Brockville Recorder and Times, where he was the sports editor.

Managing editor Derek Gordanier tweeted that the newspaper was saddened by Pettibone’s death.

“Our family is crushed today. Thank you, readers and colleagues, for your kindness and condolences in this difficult time.”

(CJOJ, The Canadian Press)