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27th Sep 2021

Gabby Petito’s father sends powerful message to women in toxic relationships at her funeral

Ellen Fitzpatrick

He urged others to be inspired.

Gabby Petito’s dad has given a heartbreaking message to women that are in toxic relationships at the late vlogger’s funeral.

The search is still continuing for her missing boyfriend Brian Laundrie, with the FBI issuing a warrant for his arrest.

Speaking at Gabby’s funeral on Sunday in Long Island, Joe Petito looked back on his daughter’s life and asked those listening to take inspiration from her.

“If there is a relationship that you’re in that might not be the best thing for you, leave it now. Take care of yourself first,” he said.

“I would like you to take a look at these videos [of Petito’s travels] and I want you to be inspired by them. If there’s a trip you guys want to take, take it now. Do it now while you have the time.”

“Gabby is the most amazing person I’ve ever met,” he added. “So, if you’re going to leave here today, I’m asking that you guys be inspired by the way she treated people, all people.”

“The entire planet knows this woman’s name,” Petito concluded in his eulogy, going on to say that her passion for new experiences is something to be remembered.

Gabby’s funeral was held on Sunday, with hundreds of mourners flocking in, many that didn’t even know personally showing their support.

The 22 year old had taken a trip across the US with her fiancé Brian when he returned alone on September 1st and Gabby was reported missing 10 days later.

Her remains were found a week later in a campsite in Wyoming with her death ruled a homicide. The cause of death is yet to be determined and her remains have not been returned to her family.

Police are still searching a 25,000 acre nature reserve in Sarasota County, Florida where Brian left his family home, the home which FBI has since visited to collect his personal belongings for “DNA matching.”