The body of a man found in Morro Bay Estuary on Sunday has been confirmed as that of a former Turlock resident.

Avery Edward Danley, 22, had been missing from Morro Bay for several weeks and on Wednesday his family got the confirmation they had been dreading since learning a body was recovered on Sunday.

“When they told us they had found a body we had an idea it was him, but today we got the confirmation,” said Daniel’s grandmother, Turlock resident Nancy Quigley. “We all miss him so much and can’t hardly stand the loss we feel.”

Danley was a lifelong resident of Turlock up until about a year ago when he moved to Morro Bay and took up residence on a boat.

“He loved the area up there and enjoyed living on his boat,” Quigley said.

The last time Danley was seen was the evening of Jan. 21. He had dinner with friends on a boat docked in Morro Bay. His kayak, which he used to ferry back and forth from his boat to the shore, was found adrift in the harbor a few days after he was reported missing.

An autopsy is being conducted by the San Luis Obispo Coroner’s Office to determine a cause of death.

Danley attended Pitman High School and the Stanislaus Military Academy in Turlock. He was involved with Westside Ministries and played guitar in their youth band.

“Avery never had a problem talking to people and was always bringing home new friends,” Quigley recalled.

Quigley said her grandson was an avid reader, especially books on history, science and religion. He also enjoyed hiking and was learning to sail.

“He was learning to sail because he had a dream of sailing to Mexico and living off the land,” Quigley said.

Danley also was active with the homeless community in Morro Bay, whether that was by giving them some form of assistance or just stopping to have a conversation with them, Quigley said.

“He was a very charming young man and very giving and loving,” Quigley said. “He really didn’t know a stranger.”

The family has planned a memorial service for Danley at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at Westside Ministries at 950 Columbia Ave., Turlock. A gofundme account has been set up by the family to help pay for funeral expenses. It can be found at: gofundme.com/averydanleysmemory