The family of a 23-year-old woman from Texas, who went missing while eight months pregnant, has confirmed her tragic death. Her body was discovered on Thursday in southwest Houston.

Ashanti Allen, who had been dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, vanished last Friday after leaving her home, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.

Authorities revealed that a body was located on Thursday, and Allen’s family has verified it to be hers, according to the news outlet.

In a heartfelt statement to the media, Allen’s father, Edward, expressed his deep sorrow and disbelief upon hearing the devastating news about his daughter.

The police conducted a search in the Houston area where the body was uncovered on Thursday. (KRIV)

“We were hoping for a positive outcome, but now we’re faced with the harsh reality,” Edward Allen shared. “I haven’t fully come to terms with the loss of my daughter. I loved my little girl dearly. She was my only daughter, and the mother of my only grandson.”

He said the 23-year-old graduated from community college and was working at a hospital.

Family members confirmed the body found Thursday was identified as missing expecting mother Ashanti Allen. (KRIV)

“Her life was going somewhere,” Edward Allen said. “She expecting a baby. I mean, she had baby clothes. I was about to go buy a car seat and stroller and all this other stuff. I mean, she’s just a normal girl, pretty girl, working and trying to live life.”

He added that he believes his daughter was kidnapped before her death.

Video taken at the scene showed authorities scouring a taped-off area, seemingly looking for evidence.

Edward Allen pleaded with the public to call the police if they have any information about what happened to his daughter.

No arrests had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.