SAUCIER, MS — The death of 6-year-old Gracelyn “Gracie” Vick, whose disappearance on Sunday launched a massive search effort in Saucier, was a “tragic accident,” according to findings shared Thursday by Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley.
In an emotional press conference, Sheriff Haley confirmed that Gracelyn was found deceased inside a large plastic barrel on her family’s property. Security footage and autopsy findings indicate the child climbed into the barrel on her own while playing and became trapped when the lid sealed shut.
“There are absolutely no signs of foul play,” said Haley. “The only way the lid could have been in the position it was found was from the inside. There would have been no way to put it in that position from the outside of the barrel.”
The 58-gallon plastic barrel, described as a food-grade livestock container with a two-piece screw-top lid, was located about 50 feet from the family’s back door. Video footage from the home’s security system showed no one else approaching the area where the barrel was located until after Gracelyn had already gone missing and the search began.
“After reviewing the video multiple times, it was determined that while playing outside, Gracelyn went inside the barrel herself and closed the lid from the inside, which caused it to become stuck and trapped her,” Haley explained.
Although the exact cause of death is still under review by the medical examiner, preliminary findings point to heat stress and lack of oxygen as likely factors. The temperature that day had a high heat index, and Haley said the environment inside the sealed container would have been similar to that of a child trapped in a hot car.
“There were no signs of trauma, sexual abuse, or neglect,” Haley emphasized, noting that autopsy results supported the evidence seen on video. “We recreated this incident twice to be sure.”
The tragedy has devastated the community, and the sheriff’s department. Haley said the case hit particularly close to home: “This young girl, I have a personal connection through my granddaughter. They went to school together. They were friends.”
Gracelyn was last seen around noon on April 13 playing outside her family’s home near F. Taylor Road and Saucier Fairley Road. Her family noticed she was missing within minutes and called authorities, prompting a large-scale search involving deputies, helicopters, ATVs, fire services, EMS, and dozens of local volunteers. She was found around 6 p.m. that evening.
As the news spread Sunday night, family members began sharing the tragic outcome on social media.
“She’s my little cousin. Yes, they found her. It’s not good,” wrote Rebecca Wedgeworth Prewitt. “Please let the police do their job. I’m hoping everyone will respect our family.”
“Y’all please pray for my family,” added Jenniffer Tucker. “They have found baby Gracelyn passed away.”
“My niece has been found deceased,” posted Jackie Polk. “Please pray for our family.”
Sheriff Haley addressed the speculation that quickly circulated online, urging the public to stop spreading misinformation and allow the family to grieve in peace.
“We’re all human,” he said. “But when people put these things out on social media, it makes it hard for family to grieve and causes a lot of ill feelings.” Haley said the online speculation did not interfere with his department’s investigation, stating, “The facts are the facts.”
The investigation remains open pending the final medical examiner’s report, but officials reiterated their conclusion that this was a tragic and unforeseeable accident.
“I think we should respect the family and let them grieve,” Haley said.
Tragic and heartbreaking are just not adequate to describe this families pain at this time. My heart and my prayers go out to them.