Gabby Petito’s dad posts emotional New Year’s Eve message after vlogger’s doomed van life trip with Brian Laundrie
THE Petito family welcomed 2022 with an emotional video of lights floating in the night sky and touching tribute to Gabby.
Joseph Petito tweeted this message with the video: "Happy New year Gabby. Keep touching the world. #HAPPYNEWYEAR2022 #gabbypetito."
Within minutes, there were thousands of likes, comments and retweets in honor of "America's daughter," as some have called Gabby.
"Forever America’s Daughter, we will continue to carry on in her name and legacy," a Twitter user commented under the video.
"Thanks to the Petito and Schmidt family for launching a awareness page and turning tragedy into a mission to help other families find their loved ones."
"I’ve thought of Gabby and your family many times today. She will forever be in our hearts. Happy New Year to the Schmidt/Petito family ," another Twitter user posted.
"Awww you guys are the best. Thank you so much for bringing us your Gabby....then, now and forever. So beautiful in every way. Blessings ...and keep bringing the light around- it’s felt deeply. Love you," another commented under the video.
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The 22-year-old woman went on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, over the summer but never returned home.
She was last seen on August 24, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and her body was found on September 19 in Grand Teton National Park.
The coroner said her cause of death was strangulation.
Laundrie was a "person of interest" but was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot found in swampy lands near his home in North Port, Florida.
The tragic saga was one of the biggest stories that captivated the country in 2021, and Gabby's parents are bringing more attention to domestic violence and missing persons cases.
A STORY THAT SHAPED 2021
Gabby's disappearance gained worldwide attention in early September, and her presence looms large over her hometown on Long Island.
Sky blue ribbons were tied to trees and telephone poles down nearly every street within a mile radius of her mom's home, and a mural of Gabby with angel wings was painted by artist Tess Parker in Blue Point, New York.
Gabby and Laundrie had been on a "van life" trip when her fiance mysteriously returned to his family's home in Florida alone.
Questions and speculation swirled as to where Gabby had gone.
She was last seen alive in late August when the two were in Moab, Utah, the scene of the notorious bodycam footage of the couple after their fight.
Her family formally filed a missing person report on September 11.
Meanwhile, Laundrie remained at his parents' home in Florida, with reports at the time indicating that he was unwilling to assist in the search and was not cooperating with police.
Petito's remains were found in Grand Teton National Park and identified on September 21.
Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue confirmed that Petito's death was the result of a homicide.
Laundrie became a "person of interest" in Petito's case before he also disappeared, ultimately taking his own life at the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County, Florida.
Laundrie's remains were identified on October 21 following an extensive search at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.
A documentary was recently released on streaming platform Peacock, and revealed even more chilling details about the case.
More to follow...
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