Shortly after 6pm, a body believed to be that of the 23-year-old was transferred from a rescue boat into a waiting vehicle and taken away.

A heartbreaking wail from his mother, Michelle McFeeters, cut through the crisp evening air before she fell to the ground and was consoled by close family and friends.

Just hours earlier a friend - who had joined a family-led search of the Murrumbidgee River - discovered a body about five kilometres from where Brent was last seen at the reserve.

The discovery, at about 3pm, saw boats from the State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Rescue Association deployed to assist with the retrieval.

The rescue crews launched just metres from where Brent entered the water, was heard to struggle and disappeared about 8pm on Friday.

At least a dozen family and friends, including Brent's parents and former partner, were seen huddling in the area - watching as rescue crews worked to bring closure to loved ones.

Inspector Peter Robertson, from Wagga police, said a friend of the family had been out searching in a boat and discovered the body.

It is yet to be formally identified.

"We do believe it is the body of Brent Little," Inspector Robertson said.

"The family were down on the river bank when the body was located and I'm pleased to say that, while it has been some days, we have come to reach the conclusion that we have."

Inspector Robertson said the death was being investigated as an accident and it is believed there are no suspicious circumstances.

He said the coroner had been informed and an inquest would be carried out "in due time".

An autopsy is also expected.

"There's nothing that we have found so far that would lead us to any suspicion at this stage," Inspector Robertson said.

Brent's disappearance sparked a land and water search that included Sydney-based police divers and a number of volunteers.

The team of four divers scoured the water for a number of hours at the weekend.

A number of regular patrols were then carried out by the SES and VRA as part of a scaled-back search.

Police stressed on Saturday that the initial information received from a woman, with Brent at the time he went missing, was unclear and investigators were still trying to piece together what happened.

"The investigations into the circumstances from Friday night are being examined and will continue to be examined," Inspector Robertson said.

"We've spoken to as many people who can assist us with our inquiries as possible (but) we'd still like to hear from anybody who believes they've got any information.

On Monday, just metres from where police tape marked the spot Brent was last seen, his mum Michelle told The Daily Advertiser of a funny and loving man.

"I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy," Michelle said, choking back tears.

"It's the not knowing that kills, and the waiting."

Inspector Robertson acknowledged the rescue teams and those close to Brent for their unwavering commitment to the search during such a difficult time.

"I would like to, on behalf of the police, thank the friends and family who were out looking today (Tuesday) and the volunteers of the SES and VRA who, once again, gave their time and efforts freely over the last several days," he said.