Jackson, Breathitt County community honoring memory of Jayden Spicer

JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky community in mourning is showing up for each other to pay respects in the wake of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer’s passing.

Spicer’s body was found on Aug. 12 in a shallow grave near Joe Little Fork after a nearly week-long search carried out by multiple agencies, according to Kentucky State Police (KSP). His mother, 33-year-old Felicia Gross, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail.

As families across Jackson mourn his death, students at Jackson City School were asked to wear blue on Wednesday, with Breathitt County Schools also asking students to wear blue on Thursday and Friday to pay tribute to Jayden and honor his memory.

“We also ask that students and staff join us in remembering Jayden during the school’s morning moment of silence, as we reflect on the joy he brought to our lives and the lasting impact he made,” district leaders wrote on social media Wednesday.

District officials said extra support would be there for students and staff over the coming days for anyone processing his passing.

“Please continue to keep Jayden’s family, friends, and our grieving community in your thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time,” Breathitt County school leaders asked.

Community members have come together to plan a candlelit vigil dedicated to Jayden for 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Douthitt Park. Information about the vigil was shared on social media with the hashtag “Justice for Jayden.”

The investigation into his death remains ongoing.