Giovanni Pelletier Update: Family Confirms Body Discovered in Manatee County Retention Pond Belongs to Missing Teen

Key Information

• Victim: Giovanni Pelletier, 18 years old
• Location of Discovery: Retention pond near I-75 and SR 70, Manatee County, FL
• Investigation: No initial evidence of foul play; toxicology report pending (6 months)
• Discovery Team: Private investigation group hired by the family

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. —
The body of
Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from North Carolina who vanished while on vacation in Florida, has been found, according to family statements relayed by ABC11 Eyewitness News in Raleigh.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the body was discovered close to where Giovanni’s backpack was previously located.

This area, a retention pond located at the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and SR 70 in Bradenton, was initially searched by authorities on the first day of search operations.

Ultimately, the body was located by a private investigation group that was hired by the Pelletier family.

Authorities have indicated that there is no immediate physical evidence of foul play; however, a toxicology report is expected to take six months to complete.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.