Indiana officials say missing Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee is believed dead; Columbus suspect jailed in Ohio

Teen’s disappearance reclassified as endangered before authorities announced belief she died

Indiana and federal law enforcement officials said Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, that 17-year-old Fishers, Indiana, resident Hailey Buzbee is believed to be dead, marking a major shift in a case that began as a missing-person investigation in early January.

Buzbee, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was last believed to have left her home in Fishers either late Jan. 5, 2026, or in the early hours of Jan. 6. Investigators initially treated the situation as a runaway case, then upgraded it on Jan. 20 to an “endangered missing juvenile,” stating they believed she did not act alone and could be at risk of harm.

Ohio locations became central to the investigation

Investigators said the inquiry led them to Ohio, where they determined Buzbee had been at a residence in Columbus and at a short-term rental in Hocking County. Officials said evidence gathered during the investigation, along with statements attributed to a Columbus man, supported their conclusion that Buzbee died within a few days of being picked up.

Authorities have not reported recovering Buzbee’s body. Officials said the investigation remains active and that they have limited the release of certain details.

Columbus man in custody; no murder charge announced

A Columbus man identified by officials as 39-year-old Tyler Thomas is in custody in Ohio in connection with charges associated with the case. Officials said he has not been charged with murder.

Indiana officials said Thomas was recently charged in Franklin County, Ohio, with pandering obscenity involving a minor and tampering with evidence. Authorities also said investigators found child sexual abuse material on Thomas’ electronic devices during the Franklin County case.

What authorities have said publicly so far

• Hailey Buzbee went missing from Fishers, Indiana, around Jan. 5–6, 2026.
• Her case was upgraded to “endangered missing juvenile” on Jan. 20, 2026.
• Officials now believe Buzbee is deceased and say she died within days after being picked up.
• Investigators connected the case to a Columbus residence and a Hocking County short-term rental.
• A Columbus man is jailed in Ohio and faces Ohio charges; officials have not announced a murder charge.

In missing-person investigations, a change from “runaway” to “endangered” typically reflects investigators’ assessment that a juvenile may be at heightened risk and may not be able to return safely without assistance.

What comes next

Authorities have indicated the investigation is continuing across jurisdictions. Any additional charges, including potential homicide-related counts, would depend on investigative findings and prosecutorial review. Law enforcement agencies have continued to ask the public to provide information that could help clarify Buzbee’s final movements and support efforts to locate her.