The youngest son of former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Jeffrey Corzine, described as a "lost" soul who battled addiction, as found dead in a Mexico City hotel through a search initiated by his family, according to the Associated Press.
Corzine, 31, whose body was found in Mexico's largest metropolis "several days ago," had failed to respond to messages from his loved ones, the source said, the AP reported. The family launched a search that tracked him down by following his credit card usage, the source added.
It wasn't immediately clear how the aspiring photographer died, but a source familiar with the circumstances said Corzine took his own life Tuesday after suffering from severe depression for an extended period, according to the AP. His death was not the result of a drug relapse.
Another source confirmed that Jeffrey had long struggled with drugs and alcohol, the AP reported.
"Mr. Corzine is obviously devastated by this tragic loss," spokesman Steven Goldberg said, according to the AP. "We ask that all respect his family's privacy during this very difficult time."
Goldberg declined to comment on the details of Jeffrey's death, but said Jeffrey worked hard to maintain his sobriety, the AP reported.
The son of Jon Corzine and ex-wife Joanne Corzine was a frequent presence during his father's successful campaign for governor and lovingly stuck by his dad's side after the former politician was badly injured in a car wreck in 2007, according to the AP.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie issued a message of sympathy on Twitter saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Corzine, Joanne and the entire Corzine family on the tragic loss of Jeffrey. They are both devoted parents and the loss they have suffered is unthinkable."
