Gabby Petito's Father Marks Her 3rd Death Anniversary: 'There Is No Waking Up From This Nightmare'

It has been three years since the tragic death of Gabby Petito, and her father, Joseph Petito, is still feeling the heartbreak of her loss.

On her death anniversary, Joseph took to social media to share a heartbreaking photo of himself and his daughter, along with a short caption noting how saddened he still is over her death.

Gabby Petito was killed by her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, during a cross-country trip in 2021, which she documented on social media.

On Tuesday, August 27, Joseph Petito marked the third death anniversary of his daughter Gabby with a throwback photo of them having a good time and laughing together.

The photo shared on Instagram featured the father-daughter duo getting a "fish spa" treatment. They could be seen sitting on top of a platform with their feet dipped into a transparent container filled with water, which had fish swimming inside while giggling with each other.

In the caption of the post, Joseph wrote, "3 years ago this evening you were taken from us. We can't stop crying when we think of you. There is no waking up from this nightmare."

He continued, "We push forward for you and all those you have inspired and nothing can make us stop. I ask anyone who reads this, please share a #missingperson flyer today."

In the comment section of his post, fans sent Joseph support as he continues to deal with the loss of his daughter.

One person wrote, "Thinking of your family. I can't believe it's three years already," while another commented, "Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!"

A third individual noted, "You are doing everything you can, and she would be so proud. I'm so sorry for this horrible pain you feel daily. You are making a difference; thank you. Keep doing what you can to get through every day and especially this day."

One more person said, "Thinking of you and your family! I remember following this so closely, though I'm from another country!! Devastating and heartbroken! She won't ever be forgotten!"

The tragic story of Gabby's demise began with her and her boyfriend going on their first cross-country journey together in the month of August 2021. What was supposed to be an adventure in living a "downsized" life spiraled out of control.

By September 11, 2021, Gabby was officially reported missing, several days after Brian had returned home quietly without her.

Soon, Brian was named as a person of interest in Gabby's disappearance, as he was the last person the 22-year-old was known to have been with. But by September 17 of the same year, Brian had also disappeared, leading to the police working on a multiple missing person investigation angle.

Gabby's body was then found four days later, near Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, and was ruled a homicide.

Afterward, an arrest warrant was issued for Brian. However, it ended up being unnecessary, as partial remains of his body were found several weeks later at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.

Brian's death was ruled a suicide as his body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In June 2022, the Laundries family's lawyer, Steven Bertolino, released images of Brian's journal, where he had written about his murderous act.

"I ended her life," Brian wrote in the book, per People Magazine. "I thought it was merciful, that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made. I panicked. I was in shock. But from the moment I decided, took away her pain, I knew I couldn't go on without her."

It was believed that Gabby had a "small bump on her forehead that eventually got larger," along with other injuries during the cross-country trip, allegedly spurring her to beg "for an end to her pain."

However, these claims, including the idea that Gabby's death was a "mercy" killing, were refuted by the lawyer representing the Petito family.

Gabby's mom slammed his remarks, noting that Brian was trying to paint himself as the "good guy."

She told NBC News, "That was his character, even in his last moments. He wanted to make sure he looked like the good guy. That's ridiculous. We know how she died."

According to NBC News, a letter from Gabby to her abusive boyfriend, Brian, who ended up killing her, was recently unveiled.

The letter, which gives insight into Gabby's relationship dynamic with Brian, is part of a 350-page document released by the FBI in connection to the investigation into her tragic death.

It read, "Just please stop crying and stop calling me names because we're a team and I'm here with you."