A trip to her grandfather’s birthday party ended in tragedy when a little girl failed to arrive at her destination. She was found dead alongside the man who was supposed to protect and love her, leaving her family torn with grief.
On May 28, 2025, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) posted a press release on its government website about two deaths. It revealed that it was working with the Brooklet Police Department to conduct the death investigation involving individuals in Brooklet, Bulloch County.
According to preliminary information, on May 27 at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers from the Brooklet Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call.
The caller reported an unresponsive child locked in a car at Brooklet City Park. When the police arrived, they found a child dead in the backseat with an apparent gunshot wound. A man, also dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, was found in the front seat.
Officers discovered a handgun on his lap and identified him as James Lee Mayo, 37. The child was identified as his daughter, Emily Grace Mayo, nine. The GBI revealed that their bodies would be taken to its Medical Examiner’s Office in Pooler for autopsies.
The child’s aunt, Amber Healy, has since created a GoFundMe fundraiser, initially hoping to raise $10,000. As of publication, she had gathered $29,075. Speaking about her late niece, Amber shared that the little girl had “the most joyful smile and the biggest heart.”
She loved laughing, dancing, singing, animals, being outside, playing Roblox, talking to her cousins, and spending time with her friends. Amber noted how Emily was already “sassy and dramatic” for someone so young.
The fundraiser highlighted the late child’s plans for the future: “She was excited to go into fourth grade after summer break.” Emily adored her family, with Amber sharing, “We loved her more than we could put into words. The world lost a huge light.”
The aunt concluded by asking for prayers, especially for her sister, Courtney Badgett, Emily’s mother, adding, “No parent should have to make these decisions.” In an update, she expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support their GoFundMe campaign received.
She explained that the original post was written quickly due to the immediate demand and apologized for its lack of detail, citing the family’s intense grief. Amber clarified that news reports inaccurately referred to the family as the “Mayos” because James “didn’t deserve her.”
She stated that Emily was taken by someone who was supposed to protect her, but instead, he was “sick.” The aunt mentioned that she is currently writing her late niece’s obituary and described the surreal nature of their loss. She shared plans for a candlelight vigil at Brooklet Park and a memorial service.
Concluding her update, she thanked everyone for their love and support and requested continued prayers during this difficult time. Amber mourned her niece not only through the fundraiser but also through Facebook.
In a post filled with bittersweet photos showing Emily from childhood until recently, Amber continued expressing her grief. The aunt described her devastation over the loss of her niece, emphasizing disbelief that such a tragedy had happened to their family.
She apologized for not responding to the many people reaching out, while expressing deep appreciation for the prayers and love. Amber revealed that Emily was “taken from us” in a “most tragic way” and criticized media outlets for inaccurate reporting.
