MS sheriff quashes rumors, updates investigation of 6-year-old girl’s death
Authorities are investigating the death of a 6-year-old Saucier Elementary student.
On Monday, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley quashed one of the many rumors on social media about the status of the investigation.
“So far, no one has been arrested in the case, and it’s too early to determine if foul play is involved,” Haley said Monday. “This is an ongoing investigation.”
An autopsy scheduled for Monday is expected to shed light on what led to Gracelynn Vick’s death.
“We just ask that you pray for the family and all who are involved,” Haley said.
Searching for a missing child
The search for Gracelynn began Sunday in the area of F. Taylor and Saucier Fairley roads after her family reported her missing shortly after noon.
With the aid of other local law enforcement agencies, Gulf Coast Search and Rescue, and about 40 residents, Harrison County deputies began the search after Gracelynn went outside her home to play and disappeared, the sheriff said.
In addition to the search teams, the Sheriff’s Department utilized drones and dispatched its helicopter to aid in the search.
Shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday, a member of the search team found the child’s body, the sheriff said.
Since the child’s death, her family has received an outpouring of support on social media. Additionally, Saucier Elementary has brought in counselors to help students process Gracelynn’s loss.
A mother’s unimaginable grief
Gracelynn is the second child her mother, Vicky Lynn (Wedgeworth) Hutcherson, has lost in a tragic incident in recent years.
In March 2024, Gracelynn’s stepsister, Victoria Hutcherson, 13, died in a crash with a dump truck on U.S. 49. According to authorities, Victoria was a passenger in a minivan at the time of the accident.
The crash occurred when the minivan’s driver was attempting to cross four lanes of U.S. 49 when it collided with the dump truck. Hutcherson was an eighth grader at West Wortham Elementary School.
In Victoria’s obituary, her family described her, in part, as someone who “relished being a sister to her siblings and was very protective of them.”
In addition to Victoria, Gracelynn’s brother, Larry Hart, 18, died of a medical condition in July 2021, his obituary said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 10:34 AM.
