‘I’ve Got A Great Support System – But It’s Hell,’ Says Dad Of Deceased ‘Van Life’ Blogger Gabby Petito

The disappearance of “van life” blogger Gabby Petito in late August 2021 launched a nationwide effort to locate the 22-year-old who went missing while on a cross-country trip with her former fiancé, Brian Laundrie. That effort ended when Gabby’s body was discovered on September 19 in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Her death was ruled a homicide. Now Laundrie, 23, has also become the subject of a large-scale search. The experienced outdoorsman has been named a person of interest in Gabby’s death. “It’s one rabbit hole after another,” says Gabby’s father, Joe Petito, describing how he constantly imagines his daughter’s last moments alive. “I’ve got a great support system, but it’s hell.” Joe’s support system includes his wife, Tara, Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, and her husband, Jim. Watch the video above to hear why the couples say they decided to move their respective families in together temporarily, right after learning about Gabby’s death, and why Nichole says that’s exactly what her daughter would have wanted. The conclusion of this two-part episode, “Gabby’s Parents Come Together," airs Wednesday. Check your local listing for airtimes. Gabby Petito’s family has started the Gabby Petito Foundation, dedicated to bringing awareness to the dual causes of domestic violence and missing persons. To learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation or to donate, visit https://gabbypetitofoundation.org. WATCH: ‘I Need To Find Meaning Behind It,’ Says Gabby Petito’s Father About Her Death TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Are you involved in a story making headlines?