FISHERS, Ind. — The Fishers community is mourning the tragic loss of Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, who is now believed to be deceased following her disappearance on January 5, 2026.
Hailey was last seen leaving her home in the Enclave at Vermillion neighborhood, near Flat Fork Creek Park, around 10 p.m. Authorities considered her an endangered missing juvenile and launched an extensive investigation. Over the weeks that followed, Hailey’s parents, Beau and Ronya Buzbee, tirelessly worked to bring her home, posting flyers throughout Central Indiana and sharing appeals on social media.
During a news conference on Sunday, Fishers police and federal officials announced that evidence indicates Hailey is deceased. 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Franklin County, Ohio, has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. He is currently held without bond on preliminary charges, including pandering obscenity and tampering with evidence.
Hailey Buzbee is remembered as a young woman whose life held immense promise. Her sudden and tragic loss has deeply affected her family, friends, and the broader Fishers community. Residents continue to offer support to the Buzbee family while authorities work to bring justice and closure to this devastating case.
