Eighteen-year-old Giovanni Pelletier traveled from North Carolina to Florida to visit relatives but was found dead

in a retention pond a week after going missing. On August 1, he left early to meet three cousins from his father’s side.

Minutes later, he sent his mother, Bridgette, a message saying, “Mom, help,” followed by missed calls and texts. She saw them hours

later and learned from Giovanni’s grandfather that an altercation had occurred before the cousins left him by the roadside in Bradenton.

Using GPS data, Bridgette found his backpack and belongings abandoned. One cousin claimed they had been smoking marijuana when Giovanni

panicked and ran, but Bridgette doubted this account. With little official help, the family raised funds to hire private investigators.

On August 9, Bridgette confirmed her son was found dead by the private team near where his belongings were discovered, close to Interstate 75

in Manatee County — an area authorities had searched on day one. Officials found no immediate signs of foul play; toxicology results are pending.

Giovanni was remembered as kind, loving, and protective. His family and friends remain heartbroken and determined to learn the truth about his final hours.

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