In the quiet, rugged hills of Breathitt County, Kentucky, a small community is gripped by fear and uncertainty as the search for 10-year-old Jayden Spicer stretches into its third day. The young boy, with his blonde hair, blue eyes, and slim frame, vanished from his home on Panbowl Branch Road in Jackson on the night of August 5, 2025, leaving behind a trail of questions and a family desperate for answers. Last seen wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas, Jayden’s disappearance has sparked a massive search effort, drawing in Kentucky State Police, local rescue teams, and a community united in hope but haunted by the ticking clock.

Jayden was last spotted at his home around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, before he seemingly slipped away into the night. Authorities believe he left his residence either late that evening or in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 6. By 9:23 a.m., a frantic 911 call alerted Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard to the missing child, triggering an immediate response. Search and rescue teams descended on the rural Panbowl Branch Road area, a remote stretch surrounded by dense woods, mountainous terrain, and nearby bodies of water, including Panbowl Lake. The challenging landscape, teeming with coyotes, snakes, and other dangers, has made the search both urgent and perilous.

The effort to find Jayden is nothing short of monumental. Over 20 square miles of rugged terrain have been combed by teams on foot, all-terrain vehicles, and even helicopters. Drones buzz overhead, scanning the dense forest canopy, while K-9 units sniff for any trace of the boy. Sonar technology has been deployed to probe the depths of nearby waters, a grim necessity given the area’s lakes and streams. Breathitt County Emergency Management, alongside the Quicksand and Jackson Fire Departments, has worked tirelessly, with crews searching until 3:00 a.m. on Thursday before resuming at daybreak. The narrow, one-lane roads of Panbowl Branch have been closed to the public to avoid congestion, ensuring rescuers can move freely in their race against time.

As the search intensifies, the community’s heartache deepens. Mildred Shannon, a neighbor living over a mile from Jayden’s home, spoke of the dangers lurking in the wilderness. “There are a lot of coyotes, snakes, and things at night,” she said, her voice heavy with concern. “A child, even a young adult, probably isn’t safe out in the woods at night.” Her family checked their security cameras for any sign of Jayden, but found nothing. The sentiment echoes across Jackson: no one wants to imagine a 10-year-old alone in such a treacherous environment.

At the heart of this unfolding tragedy is Jayden’s mother, Felicia Spicer, also known as Felicia Gross. In a handwritten statement released to the press, she pleaded for her son’s safe return, asking for prayers and urging anyone with information to contact the police. She chose not to share her name publicly in the statement, a decision that has sparked whispers and speculation. Social media posts have cast a shadow over Felicia, alleging a troubling past with charges of child endangerment and wanton endangerment. These claims, while unconfirmed by official sources, have fueled intense scrutiny, adding a layer of complexity to an already heart-wrenching case. Yet, Felicia’s plea remains clear: she wants her son home, safe and sound.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart captured the gravity of the situation: “Any time you’re dealing with a missing individual, it’s a tragedy. But when it’s a 10-year-old child, that completely changes the dynamic.” The urgency is palpable, with authorities expanding the search radius on Friday, August 8, determined to leave no stone unturned. EquuSearch Midwest, a volunteer organization, has joined the effort, bringing additional drones and expertise to the mission.

The people of Jackson, Kentucky, cling to hope, but the challenges are undeniable. The dense, unforgiving terrain, coupled with the passage of time, weighs heavily on the search teams and Jayden’s family. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small the detail. The number to call is Kentucky State Police Post 13 at 606-435-6069. As the sun sets over Panbowl Branch Road, the community holds its breath, praying for a miracle to bring Jayden Spicer home.