The small town of Saucier, Mississippi, was shaken on Sunday afternoon when 6-year-old Gracelyn Vick suddenly went missing. What began as a routine day quickly turned into an agonizing search, and by evening, her body was found near her family’s property, sending shockwaves through the community.
The Disappearance
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Gracelyn’s family reported that she had gone outside around noon to play in the yard, but when hours passed and she didn’t return, they became concerned. With no sign of their young daughter, her family contacted the authorities to initiate a search. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, launching an urgent search effort that would last for several hours.
Law enforcement agencies, including Gulf Coast Search and Rescue, were joined by helicopters, drones, and nearly 40 local volunteers. Despite the extensive search, it wasn’t until later that day that Gracelyn’s body was found near her home, not far from the family’s property.
The Investigation
Upon discovering her body, law enforcement cordoned off an area of the family’s property that included a swing set and livestock areas. Crime scene technicians worked late into the evening, gathering evidence and documenting the scene.
As the investigation unfolded, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley addressed the many rumors circulating on social media. “So far, no one has been arrested in the case, and it’s too early to determine if foul play is involved,” Haley stated. He confirmed that the investigation was ongoing, with an autopsy scheduled at the state crime lab in Biloxi to help determine the cause of Gracelyn’s death.
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Gracelyn’s Mother Faces Unimaginable Pain
For Vicky Lynn (Wedgeworth) Hutcherson, Gracelyn’s mother, the pain of losing her daughter is almost unbearable. Tragically, this is the third child she has lost in recent years. Just last year, in March 2024, Gracelyn’s 13-year-old stepsister, Victoria Hutcherson, was killed in a devastating car crash on U.S. 49. Victoria, who was remembered as a protective older sibling, was a passenger in a minivan when it collided with a dump truck.
Then, in July 2021, Gracelyn’s 18-year-old brother, Larry Hart, passed away due to a medical condition. These consecutive losses have left the family reeling, and the grief surrounding Gracelyn’s death is overwhelming.
Community Support and Grief
Since the tragic incident, an outpouring of support has flooded social media, as friends, family, and strangers alike offer condolences to the grieving family. Gracelyn’s classmates at Saucier Elementary School have been deeply affected by the loss, and grief counselors have been brought in to help students cope with the heartbreaking news of their young classmate’s death.
The entire town of Saucier has rallied around the Vick family, offering prayers and support during this devastating time. The local community has come together in solidarity, hoping for answers and justice for the young girl.
The Road Ahead
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. The authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to Gracelyn’s death. While the family has faced unimaginable heartache, they continue to ask for privacy and space as the investigation proceeds.
In the meantime, the Vick family’s community, both local and online, is continuing to support them through this incredibly difficult time. We can only hope that justice will prevail and that the investigation will uncover the truth about what happened to little Gracelyn.
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As we continue to follow this heartbreaking case, we stand with Gracelyn’s family in their grief, hoping for the answers they desperately need.
