What we know so far about the death of 6-year-old Gracelyn Vick —Tragedy in Mississippi

Six-year-old Gracelyn Vick went missing from her yard on Sunday and was later found dead near her family’s home, sparking a wave of grief and unanswered questions in the small town of Saucier, Mississippi.

On Sunday, April 13, what began as a normal day for the Vick family quickly turned tragic. According to her loved ones, little Gracelyn had gone outside around noon to play in the yard of their Saucier home. But when she didn’t come back, panic set in.

After several hours with no sign of the young girl, her family contacted authorities. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office launched an urgent search that lasted approximately six hours. Neighbors, local volunteers, and trained rescue teams—including helicopters, drones, and Gulf Coast Search and Rescue—joined the effort to find the missing child.

Sadly, Gracelyn’s body was found later that evening near her family’s property.

Investigation underway, but no arrests yet

Police cordoned off a section of the land that included a swing set and areas with livestock. Crime scene investigators worked into the night, collecting evidence and documenting the scene. At around 8 p.m., Gracelyn’s body was removed from the property.

As rumors began circulating online, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley addressed the public on Monday. He confirmed that no arrests had been made and that it was still too early to say whether foul play was involved. An autopsy is currently being performed at the state crime lab in Biloxi to determine the exact cause of death.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” Sheriff Haley said, urging the public to avoid speculation while authorities gather the facts.

A family faced with unimaginable loss

The news of Gracelyn’s death is heartbreaking on its own—but for her mother, Vicky Lynn Hutcherson, it’s a pain she knows all too well. Gracelyn is the third child she has lost in less than four years.

In March 2024, Gracelyn’s 13-year-old stepsister, Victoria Hutcherson, was killed in a tragic crash on U.S. Highway 49. The accident occurred when a minivan Victoria was riding in collided with a dump truck. She was remembered as a caring big sister who loved and protected her siblings.

Before that, in July 2021, Vicky also lost her 18-year-old son, Larry Hart, due to a medical condition.

The weight of losing three children in such a short span is something no parent should ever have to endure.

In the days following the tragedy, support for the Vick family has poured in across social media. Many have shared kind messages, prayers, and memories of Gracelyn. At Saucier Elementary, where Gracelyn was a student, grief counselors have been made available to help classmates and staff process the loss.

Local groups, including the United Cajun Navy, have also shown their support, asking the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

A community waiting for answers

As authorities continue to investigate what happened to Gracelyn, the Saucier community remains on edge, hoping for clarity and justice. Many are asking how a child could vanish and be found dead so close to home in such a short time.

For now, officials urge patience. The autopsy results and further forensic evidence will be key in understanding whether Gracelyn’s death was an accident, a medical issue, or something more troubling.

Gracelyn’s death is not just a local tragedy—it touches hearts everywhere. Her story reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength of a grieving family and community. While the investigation unfolds, what remains clear is the deep love and sorrow that surrounds this little girl’s memory.

Rest in peace, Gracelyn. Your short life will not be forgotten.