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The body of a missing North Carolina teen has been found in Florida, where he disappeared more than a week ago after sending a disturbing final message to his mother, according to family and officials.

Giovanni Pelletier, 18, was found dead in a retention pond near the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and State Road 70 on Friday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office told FOX13 Tampa on Saturday. His backpack and cellphone were found nearby the previous day.

Pelletier’s mother, Bridgette Pelletier, confirmed the body of her son was found in a Facebook post.

“My son was recently found after a desperate search by OUR FAMILY ALONE, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” she wrote. “I am living every parent’s worst nig

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