SAUCIER, MS — 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, the child 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 sparked a large-scale search involving sheriff’s deputies, emergency responders, and volunteers from across the Gulf Coast.
Around 6 p.m., search teams located Gracelyn in the vicinity of her home. 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,” Sheriff Matt Haley said in a statement. “This is currently an active investigation.”
Throughout the afternoon, emergency crews searched the area by foot, ATV, and helicopter. Acadian Ambulance, Harrison County Fire Services, and Gulf Coast Rescue were among the many agencies assisting in the effort.
Gracelyn was described as a white female, about 4 feet tall, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, pink shorts, and no shoes.
As official details were still forthcoming, members of Gracelyn’s family began sharing the heartbreaking news on 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 shortly after 6:45 p.m.
Just minutes later, Jenniffer Tucker posted, “Y’all please pray for my family. They have found baby Gracelyn passed away.”
Around 7:50 p.m., Jackie Polk, who identified herself as Gracelyn’s aunt, wrote: “My niece has been found deceased. Please pray for our family.”
The tight-knit community of Saucier and surrounding Gulf Coast towns had been following the case closely, many joining in the search or sharing Gracelyn’s photo in hopes of a safe return. Now, they join her grieving family in mourning a life taken far too soon.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 228-897-1364.
