Authorities have confirmed the heartbreaking discovery of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer’s body, bringing a tragic end to the days-long search in Jackson, Kentucky.

Jayden was found buried in a cemetery by his grandmother, authorities said.

The boy was reported missing on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, after last being seen at his mother’s home on Panbowl Branch Road around 9 p.m. the previous night.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) received the missing person report at 9:23 a.m. Wednesday, which sparked an immediate and extensive search operation. The effort involved KSP, Breathitt County Emergency Management, and multiple rescue teams using drones, ATVs, sonar equipment, and ground searches covering a 20-mile radius, with plans to expand if needed.

The search was complicated by the area’s rugged, mountainous terrain and proximity to waterways, including Panbowl Lake. “In this situation, we want to keep hope alive, but we are racing against the clock,” Trooper Gayheart remarked during the search. “Unfortunately, the more time someone spends exposed to the elements, the chances of finding them safely diminish.”

Jayden’s family had issued a public plea for information, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward. Community members also joined the search, reviewing home surveillance footage and exploring the wooded areas, which are known to be home to wildlife hazards like coyotes and snakes.

Sources within the community have made unconfirmed claims that Jayden’s mother, Felicia Spicer—also known as Felicia Gross—may have confessed to her involvement in his death. While these claims have circulated online, law enforcement has not officially confirmed them. Public records indicate that Felicia Spicer has a previous arrest related to child endangerment.

Neighbors voiced their concern over Jayden’s disappearance and the dangers posed by the natural environment. Resident Mildred Shannon said, “There are a lot of coyotes, you’ve got snakes at night. A child, even a young adult, probably isn’t safe out in the woods. Everybody cares—you wouldn’t want your son or grandson lost out there.”

Jayden was described as a white male, approximately 5’1” tall with a slim build, blonde hair, and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajama pants and a matching shirt.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 at 606-435-6069.