What started as a typical late-night ride through Florida ended in tragedy for a North Carolina teenager whose disappearance gripped two states for over a week.

Giovanni Pelletier, a North Carolina teen, accidentally drowned after running from a car and disappearing into a Manatee County retention pond following erratic behavior brought on by marijuana use, according to an autopsy released by officials, as NewsNation reports. 

Pelletier was traveling with family through Manatee County, Florida, on Aug. 1 when he began acting in a way that alarmed his cousins. The group had smoked marijuana together earlier in the ride, and according to his family members, Giovanni suddenly became disoriented and panicked. His cousins recalled that he tried to leap out of the moving vehicle near the intersection of Interstate 75 and State Road 70.

Shortly after 2 a.m., Giovanni sent a chilling message to his mother back in North Carolina. “Mom, help me,” he wrote. That would turn out to be the last known communication from the teen before he disappeared into the night. His actions triggered an intense search effort in the area.

Moments later, surveillance video from a nearby Lowe’s store captured Giovanni running barefoot through a parking lot. The footage shows him heading toward a retention pond located behind the store. That video was later instrumental in retracing the teen's final movements.

Body Recovered After Days Of Searching

The search stretched on for days with volunteers, family members, and law enforcement combing the area for signs of the missing teenager. It wasn’t until approximately a week later that Giovanni’s body was discovered. A family friend who had joined the search ultimately located him in the same retention pond Giovanni had been seen running toward.

On Friday, the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office officially released the autopsy report. The findings confirmed that Giovanni had died due to accidental drowning. The report also emphasized there were no signs of physical trauma or injury on the teenager's body.

The medical examiner highlighted that there was no evidence to suggest any foul play. This conclusion aligned with the nearby surveillance footage that showed Giovanni running alone without any sign of another person pursuing or interacting with him before his death.

Toxicology Results Support No Criminal Findings

Toxicological testing was carried out during the autopsy, revealing a small amount of ethanol in Giovanni’s liver. However, authorities from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office specified that this trace amount was consistent with natural decomposition and not indicative of alcohol use. There was no indication that alcohol played any role in the teen’s behavior or death.

The Sheriff’s Office has consistently maintained that no criminal activity is suspected in this case. The behavior reported by the teen’s cousins -- who said he started “tripping” after smoking marijuana -- supports the medical findings that he may have become disoriented due to drug use, leading to panic and flight.

Authorities have not pursued charges against any individuals, as no evidence has emerged to suggest wrongdoing. Family members have expressed grief but have not publicly placed blame on anyone for the incident.

Family Devastated By Unexpected Loss

As the autopsy report closes the case from a legal and medical perspective, the emotional toll remains heavy on Giovanni’s family. His final message to his mother -- a brief and desperate plea for help -- has haunted the case and underscored the urgency of the search efforts.

His loved ones have shared that the teen had no history of mental illness or erratic behavior before the night of his disappearance. The sudden and tragic incident has left many questions -- and heartbreak -- in its wake.

Pelletier had been visiting the area on a summer trip, and what was meant to be a short visit with relatives turned into a devastating reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control. His death has sparked broader conversations about youth drug use and safety during travel.

Lessons to Learn

1. Be cautious with recreational substances: Even seemingly harmless actions like using marijuana can have unpredictable effects, especially on teenagers. Always monitor how drugs affect you or others, and avoid using them in unfamiliar or potentially unsafe environments.

2. Take every cry for help seriously: Giovanni’s message to his mother was his final communication. If someone reaches out to you in distress -- even briefly -- it’s crucial to act quickly and alert authorities to ensure their safety.

3. Know your surroundings: Traveling in unfamiliar areas at night can increase the likelihood of danger, especially near roads, bodies of water, or isolated locations. Foggy thinking or impaired judgment can make these risks even more serious.

No amount of preparation can fully prevent tragedy, and it’s essential to remember that Giovanni is not to blame for what happened. His story reminds us that accidents can happen to anyone, and compassion should always guide our response.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a painful example of how quickly a routine situation can turn tragic, particularly for young people navigating unfamiliar environments while under the influence. Giovanni's death opens up long-overdue conversations about mental health, substance use, and the risks associated with panicked behavior.

Communities across both Florida and North Carolina are mourning the loss and reflecting on how future preventative efforts could help other families avoid similar pain. The incident raises awareness around safety, emotional health, and the importance of quick action when receiving a message of distress.