Bob Arum and Family Grateful for Messages of Support and Prayer Offerings

Bob Arum and his family are sending their messages of appreciation and gratitude to all those who have reached out to them for prayers and support during their most difficult time.

Bob Arum's son, John, died Friday while climbing the 8,500 foot Storm King Mountain in the North Cascades National Park, about 85 miles northeast of Seattle in Washington state.

In a statement posted on Funhouse, the family of John Arum issued the following statement Saturday.

"The family of John Arum would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shared their concern with us during this tragic time. John was a very special person. A wonderful husband, son, brother and friend. John meant so much, to so many. He was so loved and we miss him already.

"First, we would like to thank the National Park Service, Chelan Mountain Rescue, Stehekin Community and the King County Sheriff's Office for its tireless efforts in conducting aerial and ground searches over steep and difficult terrain throughout the week.

"They refused to give up on their search for John despite the conditions, and they were a constant source of comfort and information to us. Their dedication to their mission was awe-inspiring and we will remember them for that forever.

"And to everyone from around the world who has reached out to us with prayers and messages of support, please know you have helped sustain us during this most difficult time. You have touched our souls."

Bob Arum's son, who is a well known environmental lawyer, was reported missing Monday when he failed to arrive home Sunday after climbing Storm King, a rugged mountain peak, about seven hours away by car from Seattle.

His body was recovered at the level of 7,700 feet of the 8,500 feet Storm King Mountain.

John's father and Top Rank president Bob Arum was attending the first leg of a press tour at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to promote the fight of Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito, when words reached him about his missing son.

The popular boxing promoter hurriedly left the press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel to join the search for his missing son.

Bob Arum failed to join Pacquiao and Margarito in New York and Texas for the second and third legs of the press tour to personally oversee the search and rescue operations.

Pacquiao and Margarito are being managed Arum's company, Top Rank Promotions.