Who is Hailey Buzbee? Missing Indiana Teen Presumed Dead & Ohio Man Tyler Thomas Charged

The Hailey Buzbee case, involving a 17-year-old from Fishers, Indiana, gained national attention after her disappearance and subsequent death. Missing since January 5, 2026, her death has been confirmed, but her body has not been recovered. An arrest has been made, and 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Columbus, Ohio, has been charged in relation to her disappearance and use.

Who is Hailey Buzbee

Hailey Buzbee was a 17-year-old high school student from Fishers, a northeast suburb of Indianapolis. She was known to her family as intelligent, kind, and ambitious. She was very close to her parents and enjoyed playing online games. People who knew her, including her friends and relatives, remember her as a bright and compassionate teenager with a bright future ahead of her.

What Happened to Hailey Buzbee

• Last seen near her home around 10 p.m. on January 5, 2026.
• Police traced a vehicle in the area to Tyler Thomas, who met Hailey through online gaming.
• Initially classified as a runaway, her case was upgraded to “endangered missing juvenile” on January 20.
• Thomas told authorities he had dropped Hailey in western Ohio, a claim later found to be false.
• Evidence from Thomas’ home and digital devices indicated sexual abuse material involving Hailey.
• Police believe Hailey is deceased and continue to search for her body.

What Hailey Buzbee’s Father Said

Beau Buzbee shared the family’s heartbreak in a Facebook post:
“Hailey was a smart, beautiful, kind, and caring young lady with a bright future. She had a deep love for her family and holds a very special place in so many hearts.” His message highlighted the devastation and loss felt by her family and community.

Who is Tyler Thomas

Tyler Thomas is 39 years old, of Columbus, Ohio, is charged with pandering sexually explicit material involving a minor and tampering with evidence. He allegedly met Hailey online and then in person at his home and at a short-term rental in Hocking County. During a search on January 21, photo and video files of Hailey were found on his electronic devices including deleted files.

What Authorities Have Discovered

Police and law enforcement agencies have outlined several investigative steps:

• Coordinated searches in Ohio using drones and K-9 units.
• Examination of Thomas’ home on Hunter Avenue and a rental property in Hocking County.
• Digital forensic analysis revealing child sexual abuse material.
• Interrogations that disproved Thomas’ false statements about Hailey’s whereabouts.
• Confirmation that, based on evidence, Hailey is presumed dead and ongoing efforts are focused on locating her remains.

Authorities continue to treat the case as active, urging the public to provide any information that could help resolve the investigation.