As the search continues for Brian Laundrie, Gabby Petito’s co-workers are remembering the life of a young woman who lost her life too soon.
On Sunday, authorities found Petito’s body in Grand Teton National Park. The story of Petito and her boyfriend has captured the nation’s attention as a manhunt for Laundrie is ongoing. As friends, family, and neighbors remember the 22-year-old, WWAY spoke to her former co-workers in North Carolina.
Previous to Petito’s move to Florida, she worked at Smoke on the Water in Wilmington, North Carolina as a hostess. Her co-workers had nothing but good things to say about the young woman. According to the outlet, they said Petito made everyone feel loved and appreciated during her time with the restaurant. She clearly made an impression on those around her.
“She’s not just a name. She’s not just a case. She was a person, and she was very special to a lot of people and many of us here,” general manager Lara Witschen told WWAY. “She was a good soul, a good spirit, and touched so many lives. That’s what we want her to be remembered for.”
Gabby Petito Remembered By Communities Nationwide
Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie were on a cross-country road trip in recent months visiting national parks. As they traveled, the couple documented the experience on social media previous to her disappearance.
The pair visited Moab, Utah during their travels across the country. They encountered local police while there after getting into an argument. Now infamous bodycam footage shows their interactions with authorities previous to her death. While Petito never lived in Utah, some in the state came together last night to remember her life.
The news of Gabby Petito’s death shook not only her Florida community but many others around the country. On Wednesday night, a small crowd gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah to mourn her passing.
“We won’t forget about you. We won’t let your light dim,” organizer Serena Chavez said at the vigil, according to CNN.
“We’ll remember other women or children who are missing,” Chavez added. “Their families are devastated, and I can only imagine what Gabby’s family is going through.”
‘Nothing Found’ in Search for Brian Laundrie at Florida Reserve on Wednesday
As of Thursday morning, there are no new developments in the search for Gabby Petito’s boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. Authorities have focused a large portion of their search efforts on Florida’s Carlton Reserve. Laundrie is said to have gone hiking there last week, which is his last known location. Yet nothing has turned up in the search so far.
On Wednesday, CNN reported that a law enforcement underwater dive team joined the search for Laundrie. The Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Force (SURF) is comprised of “highly trained underwater specialists” who are “called upon to search for evidence of crimes and victims of drowning, water accidents and foul play,” according to the sheriff’s office website.
The team consists of around 10 divers. Reportedly the North Port police requested SURF’s involvement on Wednesday morning. However, the team had no luck in finding Laundrie or anything of interest in the ongoing search.
“Nothing found. We will be back out Thursday, similar operation,” local police tweeted Wednesday.
