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Gabby Petito’s parents honor 22-year-old on death anniversary, vow to fight domestic violence

Her family members shared a number of tweets in which they acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the YouTuber's tragic demise

BLUE POINT, NEW YORK: Gabby Petito's parents shared an emotional tribute on the anniversary of her death as they revealed their global campaign to prevent a similar situation from happening in the future.

Gabby's family members shared a number of tweets in which they acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the YouTuber's tragic demise and vowed to continue their fight against domestic violence. The first three tweets came from the 22-year-old's mother Nicole Schmidt on Friday, August 26, explaining that Saturday, August 27, would mark one year and that they were steadfast in their efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and IPV.

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"Hey, beautiful people! Tomorrow, August 27th marks one year our daughter Gabby lived her last day on earth. She was taken too soon at the hands of the person she loved. This happens too often around the world!" Schmidt wrote on Twitter. "By honoring these victims, we can also show our support to people that are currently in this situation by letting them know they are not alone, they matter, and we don’t want this to happen to them! Please share and be part of our global effort to raise awareness for domestic violence!" she added.

The last tweet featured a poster asking anyone who has access to their backyard to take a few moments in the evening on August 27 to turn on string lights, a lantern, or light a candle to honor victims of domestic violence. "There are some that bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains," a quote on the poster reads.

The family encouraged people to take a photo or video of themselves remembering Gabby and those who have experienced domestic violence and post it with the hashtag "#thelightremains".

Gabby was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her fiancé at the time, Brian Laundrie, back in August of 2021. The couple was on a cross-country road trip in Utah when witnesses reported instances of domestic violence between them. Recently, a witness told The Sun that they saw Brian swing at her with a closed fist. Gabby's body was recovered about a month later, after Brian returned to his parents' home in Florida in the van they were traveling in without her. It was eventually determined that she died from "manual strangulation."

Brian went missing shortly after a probe was launched, and millions were spent on a nationwide manhunt for him. Law enforcement eventually uncovered his remains at a nature reserve after he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Brian claimed in his suicide note that he killed Gabby out of "mercy" after she had sustained a critical injury and told him to get help.

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While the information about the circumstances surrounding her death may have given Gabby's loved ones some closure, they are still heartbroken and finding new ways to honor her memory. Gabby's father Joseph Petito also tweeted about the first anniversary of the day he lost his beloved daughter. "Exactly 1 year ago today you were taken from us. We miss you every day. We cry every day. You have inspired so many to live, travel, and leave their unhealthy relationships. We love you Gabby. #GabbyPetito #DomesticViolence #MissingPerson #TogetherWeCan #thelightremains," Joe wrote.

Gabby's stepmother, Tara, added, "Exactly one year ago our beautiful daughter was taken from us by the hands of another. We miss you so much our hearts hurt. Forever broken, forever missing you, forever we will love you.#thelightremains #domesticviolenceawareness #togetherwecan #GabbyPetito #spreadkindness."