Giovanni Pelletier Obituary, Death; Officials confirm missing Wake County teen found dead in Florida pond

Giovanni Pelletier Obituary, Death – Deputies in Manatee County, Florida, have confirmed that the body of a missing teenager from North Carolina was found in a retention pond on Friday. Authorities identified the deceased as 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier from Fuquay-Varina, who had been reported missing last week while visiting family in the area.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the discovery was made near the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 at State Route 70. The body was recovered Friday night, and by Saturday afternoon, investigators had confirmed the identity through evidence gathered at the scene. Pelletier had last been seen over a week earlier, walking away from his cousins while they were in a vehicle in the same vicinity.

An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday to determine the exact cause of death, which remains unknown. Investigators have not released details on how Pelletier ended up in the pond or whether foul play is suspected.

The teenager’s family had already shared the heartbreaking news earlier on Saturday through social media. In a post, they acknowledged that the recovered body belonged to Giovanni and expressed deep grief over his loss. Giovanni was the oldest of five siblings, a role that his family says he cherished.

His mother, Bridgette Pelletier, released a statement on Facebook asking for privacy as the family processes their loss. She described her pain as “every parent’s worst nightmare” and said she is struggling to find the strength to give her son “the goodbye he deserves.” The post resonated with friends and community members, many of whom offered messages of support and condolences.

While the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office has not provided further details about the circumstances leading up to Pelletier’s disappearance. Officials also have not said whether surveillance footage, witness accounts, or other leads are being pursued to understand how he ended up at the pond.

Pelletier’s disappearance had prompted concern both locally and in his hometown. Family members and friends had shared his photo on social media and appealed for any information that could help locate him. His death has left a lasting impact on his loved ones, who are now focused on preparing for his memorial.

The case remains open as authorities await the autopsy results. In the meantime, the community is rallying around the Pelletier family, offering both emotional and practical support during this difficult time. Deputies have encouraged anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area of Interstate 75 and State Route 70 around the time of Pelletier’s disappearance to come forward.

The tragic discovery marks a sorrowful end to the search for Giovanni Pelletier, turning what began as a missing person’s case into a death investigation. As his family mourns, they are left with unanswered questions about the events that led to his final moments, while law enforcement works to uncover the truth.