The search continues for a North Carolina man who disappeared last month while vacationing in Florida.

Giovanni Pelletier, 18, was last seen in Mims on August 1. Pelletier’s aunt told WRAL that their family was visiting Pelletier’s mother’s fiancée’s family in Englewood when the teen met with his cousins from his estranged father’s side.

Charlotte County police said the cousins claimed Pelletier suddenly began behaving “erratically” and unexplainedly walked away. However, private investigator Shelley Croft told WFLA that 21 minutes after leaving Englewood with his cousins, Pelletier sent his mother a text message, reading “Mom help me.” 

The cousins allegedly claimed Pelletier walked out of the car near State Road 70 in Manatee County. His backpack and cellphone were recovered from the area, but he remains unaccounted for, according to WFLA.

“Somewhere along the ride, something happened,” his aunt told ABC.

Pelletier is believed to have texted other relatives before his disappearance.

A $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Pelletier. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-2101.

[Feature Photo: Handout]