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'You brought so many together': Gabby Petito’s dad Joseph shares throwback photos with a heartbreaking message on her 24th birthday

Gabby went missing in August 2021 end during a cross-country road trip and was found strangled to death in Grant Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19, 2021

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

TAMPA, FLORIDA: Gabby Petito's father, Joseph Petito, on Sunday, March 19, posted a few heartbreaking images of his late daughter along with an emotional message on her 24th birthday. He wrote, “Happy 24th Birthday Gabby. You brought so many together. Keep shining that light.”

Two years ago, Gabby went missing in August 2021 during a cross-country road trip from New York to Oregon with her fiance Brian Laundrie. She was officially reported missing on September 11, 2021, and was found strangled to death in Grant Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19, 2021. In the final report on the investigation in January 2022, the FBI reported that Brian claimed responsibility for his fiancee's death in a notebook found near his remains. The body of Brian, who died by suicide, was found on October 21, 2021, in Florida's Carlton Reserve.

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'Your daughter changed the world'

Following Gabby's father's tweet, reactions poured in with one saying, "Your daughter changed the world. You were given the care and keeping of a bright light. Your loss is unimaginable, and her light is eternal." Another commented, "She really did change lives around the whole world. My own included. I think of her often. She was a light and will continue to shine. Hugs to you on this difficult day."

A user said, "She is bringing people together inspiring people to be kind I am sure she is having a great day in heaven." Another wrote, "Happy heavenly 24th birthday. She truly was so beautiful. Thinking of all your family Joseph. Your daughter left a mark on many hearts across the world." Yet another said, "happy birthday to a beautiful soul who lost her life say too soon. Sending prayers and love your way!"

The series of photos had two individual pictures of Gabby, one had a younger Gabby, smiling with two little boys that appear to be Joseph's two other children and one had Joseph holding a little Gabby.

Prior to the birthday tweet, Gabby's father also posted a picture of a sunrise over the ocean on Saturday, March 18, and wrote, "Good morning #Twitter. #GabbyPetito would be turning 24 tomorrow and I’m watching the sunrise. I ask that if you’re reading this, please share a #MissingPerson story and help a family the same way you all helped us. Every share matters," followed by #TogetherWeCan.

Legal battle between Gabby and Brian's parents

Gabby's parents, Joe and Nichole Schmidt, are suing Brian's parents for “intentional infliction of emotional distress,” states Mirror. The lawsuit that Gabby's parents filed in March 2022 claims that Chris and Roberta Laundrie were aware their son had murdered his fiancee and chose not to act. While the search for Gabby was ongoing, the Petitos' lawyer asked Brian's parents to help in the case. Richard Stafford said on September 16, 2021, “Please, if you or your family have any decency left, please, tell us where Gabby is located. Tell us if we are even looking in the right place. All we want is for Gabby to come home. Please help us make that happen.” The case was originally scheduled to go to trial in August 2023. However, recently, the trial judge gave a start date of May 13, 2024, reports Mirror.

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