Memorial held for Gabby Petito in hometown as loved ones continue to mourn her death

Holbrook, New York - On Sunday, Gabby Petito's loved ones gathered to celebrate her life and pay their respects at a memorial service in honor of the young vlogger.

Gabby Petito's loved ones attend her funeral at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook, New York.
Gabby Petito's loved ones attend her funeral at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook, New York.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

There was not a dry eye at Moloney Funeral Home on Sunday, as Gabby Petito's family, friends, and supporters paid their respects to the 22-year-old.

Part of the service was streamed live and open to the public, allowing others to show their gratitude for Petito, and give them a chance to say their goodbyes.

The funeral home was filled with photographs of Petito and endless amounts of flowers, while two fire trucks held up a banner that read "Blue Point," followed by a giant red heart outside.

At the live-streamed service, the young woman's father, Joseph Petito, spoke from the heart, while trying to remain positive and upbeat – citing he knew that's what Petito would've wanted.

"Gabby is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. I’m asking you guys to be inspired by the way she treated people, all people," he said on the live stream.

"She is an example for all of us to live by. To enjoy every moment in this beautiful world, as she did. To love and give love to all like she did."

The manhunt continues

A memorial was made in honor of Gabby Petito in North Port, Florida, where she was living prior to her trip.
A memorial was made in honor of Gabby Petito in North Port, Florida, where she was living prior to her trip.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

Meanwhile, the hunt for Brian Laundrie, who has been named a person of interest, continues.

On September 23, the FBI announced it had issued a federal warrant for Laundrie's arrest for "use of unauthorized access devices", or credit cards.

Law enforcement has yet to provide information regarding whether there's evidence that Laundrie committed a crime in relation to Petito's death, which was initially ruled a homicide.

According to his parents, Laundrie returned home on September 1 in Petito's van – without Petito. He refused to speak to police after his return, and has since lawyered up and gone missing.

The massive search effort for Laundrie at the Carlton Reserve in Venice, Florida is still ongoing, as the North Port police department has handed over the reigns of the search to the FBI.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to what will be the Gabby Petito Foundation.

"No one should have to find their child on their own. We are creating this foundation to give resources and guidance on bringing their children home," Joseph Petito said of the foundation on Twitter.

Cover photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

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