Body of Nonverbal 5-Year-Old Saylor Hayes Recovered in Pawleys Island Waters

Key points

• Saylor Hayes, a nonverbal 5-year-old, was found dead in the water near where she was last seen on Sunday.
• The body was recovered at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Monday by agents from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
• Hayes wandered away from a rental home in the Hagley Estates area of Pawleys Island on Sunday afternoon.
• The search involved hundreds of residents, multiple fire departments, and law enforcement agencies across Georgetown and Horry counties.
• Authorities utilized Project Lifesaver tracking technology, drones, K-9 units, and divers during the two-day search operation.

Background

Saylor Hayes, described as 3’6” with blond hair and blue eyes, was last seen wearing a light blue one-piece bathing suit and a pink-and-white lanyard. She is reported to be nonverbal but responsive to calm, slow speech. The family is from Virginia. Previous archive entries confirm the extensive nature of the search, which included Coast Guard vessels and overnight operations, though no cause of death has been officially released.

How outlets are covering it

WYFF and K8 News both confirm the recovery of the body by DNR agents around 9:45 a.m. Monday. WYFF highlights the involvement of hundreds of local residents who guarded docks and searched properties, while K8 News emphasizes the technical aspects of the search, including the use of Project Lifesaver equipment and a reverse 911 alert. FITSNews provides minimal detail beyond the confirmation of the death, focusing on the tragic nature of the discovery. All sources agree on the timeline and the agencies involved, with no significant discrepancies in the reported facts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical role of community involvement and specialized tracking technologies like Project Lifesaver in locating vulnerable individuals. The extensive response underscores the challenges faced by authorities when searching for nonverbal children in coastal environments, where water hazards significantly complicate rescue efforts.

What to watch

The death investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death. The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office has expressed condolences to the family and thanked the public for their assistance in the search. Further updates may be released as the investigation progresses.