Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old student from Hamilton Southeastern High School, left her home on January 5, 2025, and investigators believe she was killed in Hocking County, Ohio.
She had been communicating with Tyler Thomas for over a year and left her home with him.
Tyler Thomas faces federal charges related to the disappearance and presumed death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fishers.
He is accused of meeting the teenager through online gaming platforms like Roblox and League of Legends. They had been communicating for over a year via encrypted messaging and gaming platforms.
Authorities state that Tyler picked Hailey up from her Fishers home on January 5th and drove her to Ohio. They believe she was killed in Hocking County, Ohio.
Court filings reveal that police found sexually explicit videos of the teen on Tyler’s phone and allege he attempted to delete them. After being named an endangered missing juvenile on January 19, Hailey was presumed dead following Thomas’s arrest.
Tyler’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, stated that his client later helped lead authorities to Hailey’s remains in Perry County, Ohio. The FBI took Thomas from jail on February 1 to assist in locating her body.
May Hailey’s Family, Beau & Ronya & her Sister, and their Extended Family and Friends be strengthened and comforted at this time. We pray for their Peace of Mind to know that their thoughts and prayers are being heard.
Beau Buzbee
Hailey Buzbee’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Hailey Paige Buzbee was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness and beautiful smile touched all who knew her.
A 17-year-old resident of Fishers, Indiana, tragically passed away in January 2026.
Hailey Buzbee was the daughter of Beau Buzbee and Lindsay Simmons, born on October 9, 2008.
She was a young woman of remarkable character, smart, funny, and beautiful inside and out. She approached life with a sweet spirit and a genuine love for others, a quality everyone who crossed her path will fondly remember.
Her smile had the power to light up any room and brighten anyone’s day.
Hailey was a dedicated student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, where she pursued her dream career in journalism. She also served her community with a warm and caring demeanor at The Kitchen on Main in Fortville.
Her passions were simple and heartfelt. She loved music, books, and, above all, spending precious time with her family.
Hailey’s journey was brief, but she filled each day with love, purpose, and an infectious joy that created a lasting legacy. Her family finds solace in the countless memories of her compassionate soul.
The changes we make together will be rooted in the love
Beau Buzbee
Hailey brought into the world during her time with us.
Hailey is survived by her loving father, Beau Buzbee; her stepmother, Ronya Buzbee; her sister, Sabriya Buzbee; her mother, Lindsay Simmons; her brother, Elijah Ratcliff; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who cherished her deeply.
The Buzbee family welcomes all who knew and loved Hailey to a service celebrating her beautiful life. It will be held at ITWON Church, 12491 East 136th Street, Fishers, on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.
In honor of Hailey’s vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear her favorite color, pink.
Details matter.
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Today, I showed the Buzbee family how I’d be holding them in my heart all week with my pink nails 💗Together, we’ll see justice 🎀
Instead of flowers, those wishing to offer support may contribute to a GoFundMe established to support Hailey’s family, the pursuit of justice, and the continuation of her legacy of love and kindness for others.
Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she so beautifully impacted.
Rest In Peace, Hailey Paige Buzbee.
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