The heartbreaking death of 18-year-old Giovanni “Gio” Pelletier continues to weigh heavily on communities across Florida and North Carolina, as newly released autopsy findings shed more light on the tragic circumstances surrounding his final hours. Giovanni, whose body was discovered in an alligator-infested retention pond in Manatee County in early August, most likely died from drowning, according to an autopsy reviewed by PEOPLE. While decomposition limited definitive conclusions, the medical examiner found no signs of assault or significant injury before his death, and video evidence supported the determination that no one else was directly involved.
The report also revealed an extremely rare congenital coronary artery abnormality linked to sudden cardiac death during moments of fear or physical stress. Although its role in Giovanni’s final moments could not be confirmed, the medical examiner stated that the official cause remained drowning. A trace of ethanol found in his liver was attributed to natural decomposition rather than alcohol use. Despite the scientific findings, the emotional weight of Giovanni’s loss extends far beyond the clinical details.
Giovanni’s tragedy began during what was meant to be a healing family trip. In late July, he traveled from North Carolina to Englewood, Florida, with his mother, Bridgette Pelletier, her fiancé, and his siblings. The visit was intended to support a relative undergoing chemotherapy and to reconnect Giovanni with his cultural roots. Born in Florida but raised mostly out of state, he had long yearned to understand more about his paternal heritage. Shortly before the trip, he joined a group chat of paternal cousins, forging new connections he hoped would help answer lingering questions about identity and belonging.
On August 1, around 1:30 a.m., three cousins picked Giovanni up for what should have been a simple late-night visit. Bridgette, exhausted from studying, slept through the moment, unaware it would be the last time her son was seen alive. Minutes after leaving, Giovanni sent her a chilling message — “Mom help” — followed by multiple calls she never received until morning. His desperate attempts to reach family members painted a picture of a young man suddenly terrified and alone.
Family accounts later claimed that Giovanni panicked after smoking marijuana with his cousins, allegedly brandishing a knife before running off when they disarmed him. Authorities said he left the vehicle near State Road 70, miles from safety, acting “erratically” as he disappeared into the night. His phone and bag were found abandoned near the last location his device pinged, a discovery that left Bridgette immediately fearing the worst.
Days later, the nightmare became reality. Giovanni’s remains were found in a nearby retention pond, with wildlife activity complicating recovery efforts but not contributing to his death. Though official findings point to a tragic accident, questions and heartache continue to haunt the family and community members mourning the loss of a vibrant young man whose search for connection should never have ended this way.
