His remains were found in a flooded, alligator-inhabited nature reserve, five weeks after he vanished. The autopsy answered one question and left several others open.
Brian Laundrie died by suicide, according to an autopsy released in November 2021. His remains were found at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida, a month after his fiancée, Gabby Petito, was found strangled at a Wyoming campsite during the couple's cross-country road trip.
Discovery
Laundrie had been named a person of interest in Petito's death after she was last confirmed alive on August 27, 2021. Following weeks of searching in the Myakkahatchee and Carlton Reserve areas, his remains were found on October 20, 2021, in an area that had recently been submerged under several feet of storm water for over a month. Given the condition of the remains, investigators believed they had likely been affected by local wildlife during that time.
Cause of Death
The Laundrie family's attorney, Steven Bertolino, confirmed that the medical examiner determined Brian died from a gunshot wound to the head, and that the manner of death was ruled suicide.
A Notebook and a Bag
Investigators recovered a backpack and notebook near Laundrie's remains. The notebook's contents were not publicly disclosed by authorities, though it drew significant public speculation about whether it might address Petito's death.
Unanswered Questions About the Timeline
The Laundrie family's account of Brian's final days shifted over time. They initially told investigators the last time they saw him was September 14, later revising that to September 13. They reported him missing on September 17, after he told them he was going for a hike in the Carlton Reserve. Separately, records showed Brian's mother had reserved a campsite at the same park for September 6-8, days before Gabby was reported missing on September 11 — a detail that drew scrutiny but was never fully explained publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Brian Laundrie die?
An autopsy determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ruled a suicide.
Was Brian Laundrie ever charged in Gabby Petito's death?
He was named a person of interest but died before any charges could be filed in connection with her death specifically. He was separately charged posthumously in connection with unauthorized use of a debit card following her death.
Where were his remains found?
At Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida, near the Carlton Reserve, in an area that had recently been flooded.
Sources
Death of Gabby Petito — Wikipedia Brian Laundrie's Death Ruled Suicide by Gunshot — Associated PressThis article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the U.S.) is available 24/7.