Perry County, Ohio — Police believe that 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee is dead after human remains discovered in Perry County, Ohio were linked to the missing Indiana teen, nearly a month after she was last seen.
The development comes as law enforcement continues its investigation into her disappearance and the actions of a suspect now in custody.
Hailey was last seen on January 5, 2026 after being picked up by Tyler Thomas, a 26-year-old Ohio man whom she had met through online gaming.
According to investigators, Thomas provided conflicting information about where he dropped Hailey off after their encounter, leading authorities to expand their inquiry into his movements and locations tied to him.
Evidence collected during the investigation placed Hailey at Thomas’s home in Columbus, Ohio, and later at a short-term rental property in a rural part of the state.
Investigators now believe Hailey may have died within days of her disappearance, though officials have not publicly disclosed a confirmed cause of death while forensic analysis continues.
Following the discovery of the remains believed to be Hailey’s, Thomas was taken into custody in Ohio.
He is currently facing charges tied to the case, including pandering obscenity involving a minor and tampering with evidence.
At this time, Thomas has not been formally charged with murder, but authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as more evidence is processed.
Hailey’s father confirmed the devastating news to local media, describing his daughter as “smart, kind, and caring,” and lamenting the loss of her bright future.
Family members, friends, and community supporters have expressed deep grief and sorrow as they come to terms with the likely loss of the teenager.
Indiana and Ohio law enforcement agencies are working together on the ongoing investigation, with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office leading efforts in the area where the remains were found.
Police have urged anyone with information about the case, Hailey’s last movements, or Thomas’s activities to contact authorities to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
The case drew widespread attention after Hailey’s disappearance was first reported in early January.
Her family’s pleas for help and the unusual circumstances of her last known contact underscored public concerns around online interactions between minors and adults.
The discovery of remains believed to be Hailey’s marks a tragic and somber milestone in the search, and authorities say they will continue working to piece together the full sequence of events leading to her disappearance and death.
