FISHERS, Ind. — Authorities with the Fishers Police Department, along with state and federal law enforcement, announced on Sunday that 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee is believed to be deceased.
Hailey was last seen leaving her home in the Enclave at Vermillion neighborhood near Flat Fork Creek Park around 10 p.m. on January 5, 2026. Following her disappearance, she was considered an endangered missing juvenile, prompting an extensive investigation.
Police say Hailey may not have acted alone and believe she left her home willingly with a plan. During the investigation, 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Franklin County, Ohio was taken into custody on Saturday. He is currently held without bond on preliminary charges, including pandering obscenity and tampering with evidence. His next court date is scheduled in Franklin County on Monday.
Hailey’s parents, Beau and Ronya Buzbee, had been actively searching for their daughter, distributing flyers across Central Indiana and posting appeals on social media. Authorities continue to investigate, and no additional details about the circumstances of her death have been released at this time.
The Fishers community has expressed support for the Buzbee family as law enforcement continues its efforts to recover evidence and bring closure to this tragic case.
