Jennifer Hudson's seven-year-old nephew has been found dead only a few miles from their family home.

The Oscar wining actress – whose mother Darnell Donnerson and brother Jason were found dead on Friday – put up a $100,000 reward for anyone who has seen her missing nephew.

But sadly the offer didn't bring young Julian King back into Jennifer's arms, after police discovered a young boy's body in a car in Chicago yesterday.

After identifying her nephew the actress thanked her fans for their support on her website.

She wrote, “Thank you all for your prayers and calls. The support has been overwhelming and we thank you for being there for us through this tough time. Sincerely, The Hudson Family.”

Julian's father an Jennifer's brother-in-law William Bafour is being questioned by police.