Authorities in Georgetown County, South Carolina, are investigating the death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, whose body was recovered in the Pawleys Island area after she went missing from a rental home.
According to officials, Saylor was reported missing after wandering away from a family rental residence in the Hagley Community along Old Waccamaw Drive. Multiple agencies, including marine units, search teams, drones, K-9 units, and helicopters, were deployed during an extensive search operation before her body was later discovered in nearby waters.
Law enforcement and coroner reports stated that no visible signs of trauma were found. The official cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending the completion of an autopsy and additional testing by the Medical University of South Carolina.
Following the discovery, authorities confirmed that her parents, John Hayes III and Geordyn Hayes, were arrested and charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk and willful abandonment of a child. They are currently awaiting extradition proceedings back to Georgetown County, where further legal action is expected.
Investigators also revealed that the child had been enrolled in a safety tracking program designed for individuals at risk of wandering due to medical or developmental conditions. Officials noted concerns that the tracking device was not on the child at the time she went missing, which may have impacted search efforts.
The case has drawn significant attention within the community, with residents and officials expressing sadness over the loss and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities continue to investigate all factors leading up to the disappearance and death.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has urged patience while awaiting autopsy results and further official findings. The community remains in mourning as it awaits clarity on how the tragedy unfolded.
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