MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier, who disappeared while visiting Florida from North Carolina, is likely dead.

Detectives with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office say a preliminary identification shows that he was the body found in a retention pond near I-75 and State Route 70 on Friday.

Officials say that positive identification is pending further testing, and that an autopsy will take place on Sunday.

Giovanni’s mother shared a message, saying there will be an investigation.

She also added that the family is asking for privacy at this time.

We Are The Essentials, a group that helps look for missing people, also shared a message online , praising Giovanni’s family for their strength and offering condolences.

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