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Published 08:45 20 Sep 2021 GMT
Gabby Petito's father has shared a touching tribute to his daughter after the FBI announced that human remains found in a Wyoming national park are "consistent" with her description.
Speaking to the press on Sunday evening, FBI agent Charles Jones - who was visibly emotional - said: "First and foremost, I would like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gabby’s family.
"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," Jone added, per the New York Post.
"As every parent can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for her family."
Per CNN, an autopsy is currently scheduled for Tuesday (September 21).
Shortly after the tragic news was announced, Gabby's father, Joseph Petito, took to Twitter to share a photo of his daughter.
In the picture, she is standing in front of a mural depicting angel wings. He captioned the post: "#GABBYPETITO she touched the world."
The Petito family's lawyer, Richard Benson Stafford, has also made an announcement on behalf of Gabby's family, saying: "I am making a personal request to members of the press and news media to refrain from contacting the Schmidt and Petito family.
"Due to today's developments, we are asking the press and news media to have some decorum and sensitivity for Gabby's family and allow them to grieve.
"I will be in contact with you when Gabby's family is ready to make a public statement."
North Port police also took to their officer Twitter account to pay their respects, writing: "Saddened and heartbroken to learn that Gabby has been found deceased. Our focus from the start, along with the FBI, and national partners, has been to bring her home.
"We will continue to work with the FBI in the search for more answers."
Gabby, an avid travel blogger, went missing during a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie.
The couple had been traveling in their converted van around the Grand Teton National Park area, with Petito's last post being shared to Instagram on August 25.
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's Chris Cuomo 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.
Since Saturday morning, law enforcement has been searching the nature reserve for Laundrie.
As of this writing, Brian Laundrie is still missing.
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).
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