Family members had said Wednesday that police told them
Wright's body had been found near an apartment complex.
Police delayed confirmation, awaiting an autopsy that
confirmed the identity based on dental records, authorities said in a
statement. The Shelby County medical examiner's office reported that Wright
died of a gunshot wound, police said.
Wright, a 34-year-old Memphis native, was last seen
around midnight July 18. His family filed a missing person report with police
on July 22, but investigators said as recently as Monday that they didn't
suspect foul play.
Police said a 911 call was placed from Wright's cell
phone early on July 19. Investigators determined the call came from the area
where the body was found and on Wednesday searched the woods and found Wright.
The 6-foot-11 Wright played 13 years in the NBA for the
Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and
most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA,
and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall.
He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career
games.
