Gabby Petito’s Parents Reveal What They Did with the Van She and Brian Laundrie Drove Across the Country

Gabby Petito’s Parents Share the Fate of the Van from Road Trip

The parents of Gabby Petito have disclosed the fate of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van that their daughter used during a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. In an interview with News Nation on Monday, Joe Petito, Gabby’s father, revealed that they decided to crush the van instead of keeping it out there for someone else to own and associate with Gabby. He mentioned, “We crushed the van.” Additionally, during the interview, Tara Petito, Gabby’s stepmother, showcased some pieces from the van that they chose to retain, such as the gas tank cap and a sticker from the Great Smoky Mountains.

Gabby, who was 22 at the time, went missing during their cross-country journey with Laundrie in the summer of 2021. Prior to her disappearance, Gabby and Laundrie had been sharing their van life adventures on social media for four months. Unfortunately, the trip came to a tragic end when Gabby was discovered strangled near a campground in Wyoming on September 19. Laundrie was identified as a “person of interest” following her disappearance and later took his own life, leaving behind a notebook where he purportedly claimed responsibility for Gabby’s murder, as per authorities.

In a previous statement to PEOPLE, Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, expressed that there will never truly be closure for them and that they will never feel like justice has been served. However, she highlighted the importance of continuing Gabby’s legacy. Following the devastating loss, Nichole, along with her husband Jim Schmidt, Joe, and Tara, established the Gabby Petito Foundation. This non-profit organisation focuses on raising awareness about domestic violence, advocating for stricter laws and policies concerning intimate partner abuse and missing persons cases, and actively collaborating with other organisations such as the Black and Missing Foundation and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives.

Nichole emphasised the importance of staying motivated and not succumbing to perpetual sadness, as it is something Gabby would not have wanted. She stated, “We can give ourselves this motivation to keep going and not be sad all the time.” The foundation’s efforts also include supporting the National Domestic Violence Hotline for those experiencing domestic abuse. This hotline offers confidential support and assistance in over 170 languages, and it operates 24/7.

The tragic loss of Gabby Petito has not only left a lasting impact on her family but has also spurred them into action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Their determination and commitment to honour Gabby’s memory through advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence are a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of immense grief. Through the Gabby Petito Foundation, they aim to create a meaningful and lasting legacy that honours Gabby’s life and continues to make a positive impact on others.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visiting thehotline.org for support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.