The search for 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier came to a tragic end Friday when his body was discovered in a Florida retention pond, more than a week after he vanished under suspicious circumstances.
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Get Peace of Mind Now →The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Pelletier was found near the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and State Road 70. His backpack and cellphone had been located nearby the day before. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Final Message Before Disappearance
Pelletier, who lived in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, was last seen on August 1 while vacationing with his family in Englewood, Florida. Early that morning, around 1:30 a.m., he left to visit relatives from his estranged biological father’s side in Brevard County.
Shortly into the trip, he sent his mother a disturbing text message that read, “Mom, help.” According to WRAL News, similar messages were also sent to his grandfather and an aunt on his father’s side.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reported that the cousins traveling with Pelletier claimed he “began to act erratically” before leaving their vehicle and walking away near SR70 in Manatee County.
Family-Led Search Effort
Pelletier’s family launched their own search after his disappearance, using ATVs and drones to comb the area. Nearly two dozen volunteers joined the effort earlier this week.
In a Facebook post, his mother, Bridgette Pelletier, wrote: “My son was recently found after a desperate search by OUR FAMILY ALONE, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death. I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves.”
His aunt, Desiree Pelletier, voiced concern about the cousins’ role, telling WRAL the story of what happened to Giovanni seemed to change. “How on earth are we supposed to be okay with these three boys saying this is what happened and then they change it?” she said.
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The white Chevy Malibu used in the trip has been seized by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities in multiple counties are assisting with the investigation as the family awaits answers.
Law enforcement has not yet released further details on the circumstances of Pelletier’s death. The family is asking for privacy as they grieve and prepare funeral arrangements for the teen, who leaves behind four younger siblings.
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