Toddler Dies in Tragic Drowning

McKENZIE — First responders were dispatched to the Carroll County portion of Hinkledale Road, outside of McKenzie, around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, for a child, Mary Margaret Vowell, who was reportedly unresponsive in a swimming pool.

McKenzie’s first responders arrived first and initiated procedures in an effort to revive the child. Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, Baptist EMS, and McKenzie Fire Department responded to the scene. CPR was initiated at the scene and continued during the transport to Baptist Hospital-Carroll County, where the toddler was pronounced dead. 

Funeral services for Mary Margaret “Maggie Monster” Vowell are Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5-8 p.m. and on Wednesday, 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, Como, Tenn.

Miss Vowell, 3, died at Baptist Hospital Carroll County on June 25, 2026. She was born in Union City on October 16, 2022, to Jeter Vowell and Diana Turnbo Searatt.

She is survived by her parents, Jeter and Diana; her siblings, Jerry Vowell, Mason Searatt, Noah Searatt, Macie Searatt, Pearl Vowell and Eddy Vowell; her paternal grandmother, Mary Vowell; maternal grandparents, Lisa Hugueley and bonus grandparents, Steven and Tammy Maxwell; and two uncles, Josh (Madison) Vowell and Kyle (Sarah) Maxwell.

She is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Eddie Hugueley and Randy Vowell; and her aunt, Margaret Vowell.

Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home.

Editor's Note: The Banner extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mary Margaret “Maggie Monster” Vowell.