Family of missing Chicago man reveals the eerie final message he sent just before couple was discovered in a Mexican MASS GRAVE… This is sickening!

The family of a Chicago man is speaking out days after authorities in Mexico discovered the remains of him and his partner.

Zafar Mawani and Guillermo Ortiz were last seen on May 20 in Huixquilucanm, Mexico, according to major local outlets La Jornada, Proceso and Milenio.

On June 17, their remains were found in the nearby municipality of Ocoyoacac, the outlets reported. Mawani’s family confirmed the recovery to PEOPLE.

Authorities had made several arrests during their search for the couple, the Associated Press reported; some of those arrested allegedly directed police to the location of the remains.

Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz.

GoFundMe

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Mawani’s family says while they are devastated, they remain committed to keeping his legacy alive.

“Zafar was authentic in a way that made others feel more grounded and seen,” read part of the statement. “He believed in abundance when it came to building genuine connections and creating spaces where people could flourish.”

The statement added Mawani was deeply committed to his family, which was “palpable in his lifelong devotion to his mother.”

Mawani’s last known moments, before his disappearance, were spent doing just that — caring for his ailing mother. As reported by NBC Chicago and ABC7 Chicago, Mawani had gone out to buy a mobility lift for her when he disappeared.

Proceso also reported, citing investigators, that the couple disappeared when they went to meet someone regarding the purchase of a mobility device for people with disabilities.

Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz.

GoFundMe

Mawani’s family has expressed gratitude for the hard work of investigators, volunteers and loved ones.

“Zafar showed up for others without needing a reason. We are heartbroken by his loss but we are committed to showing up for him by bringing his legacy forward,” the statement added. “Zafar Padamsee Mawani was loved. He is loved still.”

A GoFundMe has been organized to help the couple’s loved ones set up a plaque in their honor in Oak Park, Ill., at Scoville Park.

The others found in the clandestine graves were Kenyan nationals, La Jornada reported.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the couple’s deaths. It wasn’t immediately clear what charges they are facing.

The U.S. Consulate in Mexico and the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico City did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comments.