“Mom, help,” followed by missed calls and texts. His mother, Bridgette Pelletier, did not see the messages until hours later and learned from Giovanni’s grandfather that there had been an altercation before the cousins left him by the roadside in Bradenton.

Bridgette began searching using GPS data from his phone and found his backpack and belongings abandoned. One cousin later claimed they had been smoking marijuana when Giovanni panicked, left the vehicle, and ran off. Bridgette doubted this account, believing more information was being withheld. With limited official assistance, the family organized an online fundraiser to hire private investigators and cover search-related expenses.

On August 9, Bridgette confirmed her son had been found dead by the private team she had hired, near the same area authorities had searched on the first day. His body was recovered from a pond close to where his belongings were found, near Interstate 75 in Manatee County. Officials reported no immediate signs of foul play, and a toxicology report is pending.

Giovanni’s death left his family and friends devastated. Neighbors in his North Carolina hometown described him as kind and well-loved, while his girlfriend shared an emotional tribute, remembering him as loving, protective, and supportive. The family continues to seek answers about the circumstances leading to his final moments.