‘It’s a nightmare’: Heartbroken family, friends mourning loss of Ky. 10-year-old

JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Family members of Jayden Spicer are heartbroken and still in shock after police found him dead Tuesday afternoon. The discovery of his body came after an extensive search that lasted nearly a week.

Community members are continuing to find ways to support his family as they grieve this tragedy.

Jayden, a bright little boy preparing for fourth grade, is now frozen in time—forever 10 years old. It’s a reality his aunts are having a hard time coming to terms with.

“It’s a nightmare,” said one of Jayden’s aunts, Samantha Brunty. “I just feel like I can’t wake up from it. Doesn’t seem real.”

Jayden’s mother, Felicia Gross, initially reported him missing on August 6, begging for his safe return in a note she wrote for the public to see. State police used every resource to find him, and family members helped.

“We spent hours up until two or 3:00 in the morning out looking for Jayden,” said Chy Salyers, another one of Jayden’s aunts. “We were very dedicated. And to know that she knew where he was- we can’t stomach it.”

According to an arrest citation, police found Jayden’s remains in a tote buried in the woods in Jackson on Tuesday after Gross confessed and led troopers to his grave—a shocking outcome friends and family didn’t see coming.

“Just the fact that he’s not here, he’s not going to be going into school with my son,” said Tasha Shepherd, a family friend. “It’s just heartbreaking. How can a mother do something like that?”

People who knew Jayden said he was full of joy and friendly to everyone.

“My son said that Jayden was his only friend that would play with him,” said Kasey Burton. “So, you know that about made me cry.”

Burton said Jayden deserves to be remembered, which is why she decided to host a vigil Wednesday evening to honor his life. It was an opportunity for friends and family to remember his kind heart and adventurous spirit.

“Whether it be throwing rocks in the creek, walking in the creek, or playing with his cousins or sisters, he was always right there in the midst of all of it all,” said Salyers.

Though his life was cut short, family members said the love Jayden shared will live in their hearts forever.

“He was full of light, always smiling, and he just loved being around his family and friends,” said Brunty.

Jayden’s aunts told FOX 56 a funeral and proper burial are currently being planned for him.