G-man, Bubba, Hero: 11-year-old murder victim lauded for bringing Horry, world together
Gannon Stauch came into the world a fighter, and his father emphasized that is how the 11-year-old left it.
“All skin and bones, that’s all he was,” Albert Stauch said. “And he brought the world together.”
It was through tragedy that Gannon Stauch united many. The Stauch family was from the Loris area of South Carolina and moved to Colorado in recent years. Gannon’s biological parents separated and Letecia Stauch became his stepmother.
Earlier this year, Gannon Stauch was reported missing from Colorado. The case immediately drew international intrigue. About a month later, his mom was arrested while in the Myrtle Beach area and charged with murder. Gannon’s remains were identified in Florida weeks after Letecia’s arrest.
Letecia Stauch remains in custody in Colorado as she awaits trial.
While Albert Stauch said he knew “justice will be served,” that was not the focus for Gannon’s friends and family on Saturday. His loved ones instead celebrated his life, just days before what would have been his 12th birthday.
A ceremony at Beach Church featured friends and family sharing memories of Gannon Stauch. There was also a motorcycle ride throughout Horry County to raise awareness regarding child abuse.
The color blue — Gannon’s favorite — adorned Beach Church and the attire of those in attendance. Signed banners, messages to Gannon, toys and plenty of family photos showed off happier times.
Gannon Stauch’s mom, Landen Bullard Hiott, recalled how he weighed little at birth and doctors gave him a 10 percent chance of survival. But, she had a feeling that her son would serve an important purpose.
“I never knew at 11 the calling he’d have,” Bullard Hiott told the crowd gathered at Beach Church.
She said her son was nicknamed “G-man” for being a gentleman who would always say “yes ma’am” and hold doors open. Even when she felt at her lowest, seeing Gannon picked up her spirits.
“‘Hey’ my beautiful mommy,’” Bullard Hiott said Gannon would tell her when they saw each other. “It just made all my bad feelings go away.”
Gannon Stauch was Bullard Hiott’s “hero,” and provided strength in her life, she said. Gannon did the same for his siblings, who knew him as “bubba.”
“There was not many people like him,” Bullard Hiott said. “I was chosen to be the mother of an angel.”
Albert Stauch fought tears as he talked about his son and recounted people asking him how he moves forward. He said they do to honor Gannon, though it can be challenging at times.
There was a simple message Albert Stauch wanted to share with the crowd and anyone who would listen. He implored parents not to take moments with their children granted.
“Hold your children close and love them,” Albert Stauch said. “When it’s over, it’s over. And you can’t get it back.”
