TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The FBI announced Sunday afternoon that a body found in a camping area outside Grand Teton National Park is "consistent" with the description of Gabby Petito.
However, the agency said they are awaiting full forensic confirmation on the identity. The cause of death has also not yet been determined.
And while they haven't confirmed that the remains were hers, the FBI said it has notified Petito's family and expressed condolences to them.
"This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and our thoughts are with them as they mourn the loss of their daughter," an agency spokesperson said.
Her father tweeted a photo of her following the announcement with the caption: "she touched the world."
💔#GABBYPETITO she touched the world. pic.twitter.com/DukH7UCTPo
— joseph petito (@josephpetito) September 19, 2021
National media outlets, such as Fox and ABC News, had confirmed earlier that a coroner responded to the area in Bridger-Teton National Forest where the search for Petito was underway, and that search dogs had left the area.
Investigators are still asking anyone who saw Petito, Laundrie or their vehicle in the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area — just east of the national park's boundaries — between Aug. 27-30 to call their tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The camping area remains closed as they continue the investigation.
Law enforcement agencies have also been searching a Florida wildlife preserve for Petito's boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, who is a person of interest in her disappearance. However, his family says they haven't seen him since Tuesday.
Watch the full press conference from Wyoming below:
This article will be updated as more information is released.
