The family of Brian Laundrie has released a statement following the news that human remains have been found matching the description of missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito.
Last night, FBI agent Charles Jones confirmed to the press: "Earlier today, human remains were discovered consistent with the description of Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Petito.
"Full forensics identification has not been completed to confirm 100 percent that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified of this discovery."
Per the New York Post, the remains were discovered
As reported by CNN, an autopsy is currently scheduled for Tuesday (September 21).
Gabby, a frequent travel blogger, went missing during a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie. The two had been traveling around together in a converted white van.
Petitio was last seen on August 30 while traveling in the white van with Laundrie, the New York Post reports. On September 1, Brian arrived back at his parents' home in North Port, Florida, without her.
On Friday, North Port police spokesperson Josh Taylor told CNN that Brian is also missing, and has not been seen by his family since Tuesday.
The New York Post reports that Brian went missing after telling his parents he was going for a hike in the Carlton Reserve close to their home. Police have been searching for him since Saturday.
In response to the news that a body has been found in the search for Petito, Laundrie's family has issued a statement through their attorney, Steven Bertolino.
In a text message to the New York Post, Bertolino said on behalf of the family:
"The news about Gabby Petito is heartbreaking. The Laundrie family prays for Gabby and her family."
Joseph Petito, Gabby's father, has also shared a tribute to his daughter. Taking to Twitter, Mr Petito shared a photo of Gabby standing in front of a mural depicting angel wings. He captioned the post: "#GABBYPETITO she touched the world."
Richard Stafford, the attorney representing Mr Petito and Gabby's mother, Nicole Schmidt, has also released a statement on behalf of the travel blogger's family, asking "the press and news media to have some decorum and sensitivity for Gabby’s family and allow them to grieve."
The FBI is encouraging anyone with information on Gabby Petito’s whereabouts to call its tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
