Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode covers the tragic case of five-year-old Sailor Hayes, an autistic and nonverbal girl who drowned in a river in South Carolina while her parents were visiting from Virginia. The host details the timeline of the disappearance, the massive community search, and the shocking discovery that Sailor's Project Lifesaver tracking bracelet had been physically removed and left behind in Virginia before the trip. As investigators dug deeper, the parents' extensive history of child neglect and drug abuse came to light, leading to their arrest in Tennessee on charges of unlawfully placing a child at risk. The host examines the glaring inconsistencies in the parents' behavior and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the tracking device, questioning whether the tragedy was truly an accident or something more nefarious.
The host introduces the episode, sets the tone, and previews the Sailor Hayes case.
The host gives a quick rundown of Sailor Hayes’ family, her condition, and the circumstances of her disappearance.
The viral clip of Sailor’s mother and the community’s outpouring of support are discussed.
Details of the parents’ arrest in Tennessee, extradition, and bond hearings are outlined.
John Hayes calls 911, describing Sailor as having "escaped," and authorities begin a rapid search.
The episode wraps up with reflections on justice, community impact, and a reminder to stay tuned for updates.
The host explains how the Project Lifesaver bracelet works and its role in the search.
Investigators find Sailor’s bracelet in Virginia, revealing it was never in South Carolina.
The host delves into the parents’ criminal history, drug use, and prior child neglect cases.
The autopsy results are presented, along with ongoing investigation into the cause of death.
Listeners’ reactions, social media speculation, and the community’s scrutiny of the parents are highlighted.
Body Recovered From Riverstory
Sailor was recovered from the Waccamaw River the morning after her disappearance, prompting intense public scrutiny of her parents.
Father's 911 Callstory
John Hayes called 911 to report that his nonverbal, autistic daughter had escaped from the family's rental property.
Missing Tracking Device Discovereddata
Police in Virginia located Sailor's Project Lifesaver transmitter inside a car, proving it was never brought to South Carolina.
Prior Drug and Neglect Chargesdata
Court records revealed that both parents were previously charged with child abuse after their children tested positive for methamphetamine.
“She just loved wandering off. She loved going towards the water.”
“I would imagine we also will probably be doing an update together soon as well.”
“I don't know if you would call it fiercely independent, but you know, you could call it that.”
“The bracelet would need to physically be cut off.”
“They were arrested the very next day on September 1st.”
“I could absolutely see that and that it is just an unfortunate series of events.”
“I do think that there is something that was intentional about cutting off the tracking band.”
“There seems to be something nefarious here. Some element of foul play.”
“I don't know if that necessarily is what happened.”
Five-year-old Saylor Hayes disappeared from a vacation rental near Pawleys Island, triggering a massive search that ended in tragedy when her body was found in the Waccamaw River. But investigators soon discovered something deeply troubling: the Project Lifesaver device meant to help locate Saylor was back at her family’s home in Virginia. As questions grew about how it got there, attention turned toward Saylor’s parents and the strange circumstances surrounding her disappearance.. If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow the show for weekly deep dives into the darkest true crime cases! To watch the video version of this episode, head over to youtube.com/@annieelise. .🔎Join Our True Crime Club & Get Exclusive Content & Perks..🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to both of my weekly true crime series 10 to Life & Serialously with Annie Elise wherever you get your podcasts on the Annie Elise Channel!🍎 Apple Podcasts | Where you can also unlock access to 100+ and growing extra exclusive deep dives.💚 Spotify🔴 YouTube🎙️ All Other Platforms.📸 Follow Annie on Socials Instagram: @_annieeliseTikTok: @_annieeliseSubstack: @annieeliseFacebook: @10toLife.⭐SponsorsHiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products when you go to http://hiyahealth.com/ae. Willie’s Remedy: Order now at http://drinkwillies.com and use code SERIALOUSLY for 20% off of your first order + free shipping on orders over $95. Quince: Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to http://Quince.com/ae. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Primal Queen: For a limited time only, our listeners are getting a Full FREE MONTH of Primal Queen plus FOUR FREE GIFTS at http://PrimalQueen.com/AE..👗 Shop Annie’s Must-Haves! ShopMY: bit.ly/AnnieElise_ShopMy Amazon: bit.ly/AnnieElise_Amazon.🫵🏻 Get Involved or Recommend a CaseAbout Annie: www.annieelise.comFor Business Inquiries: [email protected].📚 Episode Sources Count on News 2 | FITSNews | GAB News | Greenville News | KLTV Island News | Live 5 News | Post and Courier | QC News | South Carolina Public Radio | WABI | WJHL News Channel 11 | WMBF News | WPDE | WYFF••••••••••••••••••🚨Disclaimers1️⃣ Some links may be affiliate links, they do not cost you anything, but I make a small percentage from the sale. Thank you so much for watching and supporting me. 2️⃣ Sources used to collect this information include various public news sites, interviews, court documents, FB groups dedicated to the case, and various news channel segments. When quoting statements made by others, they are strictly alleged until confirmed otherwise. Please remember my videos are my independent opinion and to always do your own research. 3️⃣ The views and opinions expressed in this video are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the creator(s). These views are subject to change, revision, and rethinking at any time and are not to be held in perpetuity. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this video and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts.
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