Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness delivered grim news Sunday evening, announcing that police believe 17-year-old Hamilton Southeastern High School student Hailey Buzbee is deceased.
Standing before assembled media, Fadness said it “pains me to make this announcement,” calling it a moment no one in the community wanted to face.
Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart confirmed that a suspect, Tyler Thomas, 39, of Ohio, is in custody. Thomas is being held in a central Ohio jail on felony charges of tampering with evidence and pandering obscenity. As of Sunday evening, no bond had been set, and Thomas is scheduled to appear in court Monday. Gebhart emphasized that Thomas has not been charged with murder at this time and that the investigation remains ongoing.
According to police, Buzbee and Thomas met through online gaming. Buzbee was reported missing on January 6. Investigators believe Thomas picked her up from her Fishers home. Police made contact with Thomas several days after the disappearance, at which time he claimed he dropped Buzbee off along a roadway in western Ohio. Authorities later determined that claim was false, Gebhart said.
Search warrants obtained by an Ohio sheriff’s office led investigators to search a short-term rental property using aerial drones, canine units, and physical search techniques in an effort to locate Buzbee. Police also believe she had been at Thomas’ home in Columbus.
While Thomas remains jailed on felony charges, Gebhart said the search for Buzbee’s body continues.
Mayor Fadness said he spent time Sunday morning with the Buzbee family, reflecting on Hailey’s life and the profound loss they are experiencing.
“They talked about what an incredible human being Hailey was,” Fadness said. “She was a bright light in the family, a wonderful big sister, and someone with tremendous promise. She was excited about moving on to university. Her family is devastated.”
Fadness added that the city is keeping the family at the center of its thoughts and expects the community to come together and support the family
HSE Schools posted the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the death of Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Hailey Buzbee.
Hailey was a valued member of our school community, remembered for her big heart and positive spirit. Her family shared that she was a bright light and a loving big sister. Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
While details remain limited as the investigation continues, we recognize the wide-reaching impact this news may have on students, staff, and families.
“This is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking situation for our entire school community,” said HSE Superintendent Pat Mapes. “Our thoughts are with Hailey’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.”
Supporting students and staff remains the district’s top priority. Crisis response teams will be available beginning tomorrow and throughout the week to provide support to students and staff as needed.