Body of missing woman found near Grand Teton National Park
September 19, 2021
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a media release on Sunday, Sept. 19th, stating the remains of missing woman Gabrielle "Gabby" Petito have been recovered in the vicinity of Spread Creek Dispersed Camping area on the Bridger-Teton National Forest north of Jackson, Wyoming.
The 22-year old woman was last heard from in Grand Teton National Park in late August while on a camping trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Petito and her fiancé are believed to have driven from the Moab, Utah, area to Teton Park in late August during a months-long road trip across the U.S. During her last FaceTime call with her mother, around Aug. 25, Petito told her mother that she was in Grand Teton National Park and soon headed to Yellowstone. He later turned up in Florida in early September, alone and with the white van they were traveling together in, but he would not talk to her family or authorities about her whereabouts. Her parents filed a missing person report on September 11th.
On Sunday, September 19th, searchers found human remains consistent with the description of the young woman. They said full forensic investigation has not been completed and they have not yet determined the cause of death. The Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area is in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the east boundary of Grand Teton National Park off of U.S. Highway 89. The vicinity of the area remains closed to the public until further notice.
The search has involved the FBI Denver Field Office in cooperation with the National Park Service, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Teton County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Police Department.
Ms. Petito’s fiancé has been missing from his parent’s home in Florida for several days and his whereabouts is unknown.
The FBI continues to seek information from anyone who utilized the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area between the dates of August 27-31 and who may have seen the couple or their vehicle. Tips may be submitted to tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171.
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