The family of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee has announced plans for a public celebration of life service later this week in Fishers following her tragic death.
The service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at iTown Church, 12491 E. 136th Street in Fishers. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to wear pink, Hailey’s favorite color.
Hailey, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known by classmates, teachers and friends as a bright and generous young woman with a passion for journalism. She served on her school’s broadcast team and worked part-time in the community.
Her disappearance on Jan. 5 sparked an extensive search involving Fishers police, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Initially classified as a runaway, the case was later upgraded to an endangered missing juvenile. Authorities have recovered her remains in Ohio. A 39-year-old Ohio man is in custody on related felony charges, though no murder charge has been filed. The investigation remains ongoing.
In the weeks since her disappearance and the confirmation of her death, the Fishers community has rallied around the Buzbee family in a visible outpouring of support.
Mayor Scott Fadness has proclaimed February as “Go Pink for Hailey Month,” encouraging residents to honor Hailey’s life and support her family. Throughout the month, City Hall, the Fishers Community Center and lighting along State Road 37 and the Nickel Plate Trail have been illuminated in pink. Pink ribbons have also appeared along major roadways, at parks and at fire stations.
A large portrait of Hailey created by a local art teacher is on display at Fishers City Hall, where community members may leave written messages and tributes. Additional memorial items and remembrances have been placed at the Fishers Community Center.
The tragedy has also prompted calls for legislative change. Hailey’s family and community advocates are supporting efforts to create what has been referred to as “Hailey’s Law,” which would establish a new alert system for missing individuals when credible risk indicators are present and expand education on online grooming and predator awareness in Indiana schools.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools has offered counseling and support services for students and staff as the community continues to mourn.
As the Buzbee family prepares to celebrate Hailey’s life in a public service, residents across Fishers continue to find ways to honor her memory and support a family navigating unimaginable loss.