New Footage Shows Teen Running Alone Before Mysterious Death in Florida Retention Pond

Timeline of Events Leading to Disappearance

• 🗓️ On July 31st, 18-year-old Giovani Pelletier traveled to Florida to reconnect with his father's family.
• 🚗 In the early morning of August 1st, Giovani met three men—his cousin Latrell and Latrell's friends Zach and Jaylen—to travel back to Bard County.
• 🌿 During the drive, Giovani allegedly ingested marijuana and began to act erratically, leading to a stop along River Road.
• 🆘 Giovani sent his mother two "Help" texts at 1:05 a.m. and 1:56 a.m. before allegedly trying to open the car door while it was moving.

Alleged Abandonment and Search Efforts

• 🛣️ The driver, Zach, pulled over on the shoulder of northbound I-75 near State Road 70, where Giovani allegedly exited the vehicle and ran into traffic.
• 🎒 Giovani's backpack and cell phone were left behind and placed on the side of I-75 at State Road 70.
• 📞 Latrell called his grandfather and Giovani's mother, Bridget, to report Giovani had gotten out of the car, but did not immediately call the police.
• 🔍 Bridget contacted the Manatee County Sheriff's Office later that morning, initiating a search for Giovani.

Discovery of Remains and Investigation

• 📍 On August 8th, Giovani's body was found in a retention pond off I-75 at the State Road 70 exit ramp by a family friend.
• 🔬 An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma, gunshot, or stab wounds, leaving the cause of death undetermined pending toxicology reports.
• 🚗 Investigators reviewed traffic camera footage showing Giovani running down an embankment alone, with no one chasing him, before entering the pond.
• ❓ Authorities are still awaiting toxicology results to potentially determine the cause of death, and no charges have been filed.