A day of hope turned to heartbreak Sunday evening as authorities confirmed the death of 6-year-old Gracelyn Vick, who had been the subject of an intense multi-agency search in the Saucier community of Harrison County.
Gracelyn, affectionately known as “Gracie” to her loved ones, was reported missing around noon on April 13, 2025. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, she was last seen playing in the front yard of her family’s home near the intersection of F. Taylor Road and Saucier Fairley Road. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale, multi-agency search effort involving law enforcement, emergency responders, and local volunteers from across the Gulf Coast.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., search teams located Gracelyn near her residence. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office extends their thanks to the many agencies and citizens that assisted in this search effort,” said Sheriff Matt Haley in an official statement. “This is currently an active investigation.”
Throughout the afternoon, emergency crews searched the area on foot, using ATVs, and by helicopter. Acadian Ambulance, Harrison County Fire Services, and Gulf Coast Rescue were among the numerous agencies assisting in the effort.
Gracelyn was described as a white female, approximately four feet tall, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a white shirt, pink shorts, and no shoes.
As the official details were still unfolding, members of Gracelyn’s family began to confirm the devastating news through social media.
“She’s my little cousin. Yes, they found her. It’s not good. Please let the police do their job. I’m hoping everyone will respect our family,” wrote Rebecca Wedgeworth Prewitt at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Shortly after, Jenniffer Tucker posted: “Y’all please pray for my family. They have found that baby Gracelyn passed away.”
By 7:50 p.m., Jackie Polk, who identified herself as Gracelyn’s aunt, shared: “My niece has been found deceased. Please pray for our family.”
The Saucier community, along with neighboring Gulf Coast towns, had been closely following the case, with many participating in the search or sharing Gracelyn’s photo in hopes of a safe outcome. Now, they join the grieving family in mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
No one has been arrested
Deputies cordoned off a section of the family’s land that included a swing set and areas where livestock were kept. Crime scene technicians spent hours documenting the scene and gathering evidence well into the evening.
Gracelyn’s body was taken from the property at approximately 8 p.m, according to WLOX.
On Monday, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley addressed one of the many rumors circulating online regarding the investigation. According to a family member, 6-year-old Gracelynn Vick’s body was discovered near her home in Saucier.
“So far, no one has been arrested in the case, and it’s too early to determine if foul play is involved,” Haley said. “This is an ongoing investigation.”
An autopsy is set to take place Monday at the state crime lab in Biloxi to help determine the cause of Gracelyn’s death, according to The Clarion-Ledger.
Since Gracelynn Vick’s tragic death, support has poured in for her grieving family through social media.
Third loss for the mother
At Saucier Elementary, grief counselors have been brought in to help students cope with the heartbreaking loss of their young classmate.
For her mother, Vicky Lynn (Wedgeworth) Hutcherson, the pain is almost too much to bear — Gracelynn is the third child she has lost in recent years, according to Sun Herald.
Just last year, in March 2024, Gracelynn’s 13-year-old stepsister, Victoria Hutcherson, was killed in a devastating crash on U.S. 49. Authorities said she was a passenger in a minivan that was trying to cross four lanes of traffic when it collided with a dump truck. Victoria, an eighth grader at West Wortham Elementary School, was remembered by her family as a protective big sister who cherished her siblings.
And in July 2021, tragedy struck the family once again when 18-year-old Larry Hart, Gracelynn’s brother, died from a medical condition, according to his obituary.
What an incredibly heartbreaking story to read. Rest in peace, little Gracelynn. Let’s hope the police are given the space to work calmly and thoroughly so they can determine exactly what happened.