🚨 JUST IN: “PHONE OUT OF BATTERY. SEARCH OVER.” – The heartbreaking final words no parent ever wants to hear in the nightmare case of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee… her b.o.d.y has been found, and the truth is even darker than anyone imagined. 😢💔

Full story:

The search for 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, who disappeared from her Fishers, Indiana, home in early January 2026, has ended in tragedy after authorities recovered what they believe to be her remains in a remote area of Wayne National Forest in Perry County, Ohio. The discovery came after 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Columbus led investigators to the site, marking a grim conclusion to a multistate probe involving local police, the FBI, and other agencies.

Hailey Buzbee was last seen leaving her residence in the Enclave at Vermillion neighborhood around 10 p.m. on January 5, 2026. Family members reported her missing the following day, January 6. Initially classified as a runaway, the case escalated when investigators uncovered evidence suggesting foul play. Fishers Police Department officials announced on February 1 that they believed Buzbee was deceased, citing statements from Thomas and other investigative findings.

Court records and affidavits unsealed in recent days detail how Thomas and Buzbee connected more than a year earlier through online gaming platforms. Communications continued via encrypted messaging apps, including one identified as Session. Thomas allegedly orchestrated Buzbee’s departure, arranging for her to leave home late at night with limited belongings. He admitted to driving to Indiana in his Acura to pick her up and transporting her back to Ohio.

According to charging documents, Thomas initially claimed he dropped Buzbee off along a road in western Ohio, but investigators determined this was false. After his arrest on January 21 at his Columbus home, Thomas provided information leading to the recovery of remains in Perry County on or around February 1. The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Forest Service assisted in the search, which involved drones, K-9 units, and other resources. Authorities have not released the precise cause of death pending full forensic analysis, but evidence points to Buzbee dying shortly after her January 5 disappearance.

A key detail emerging from the investigation: Buzbee’s phone reportedly lost battery power soon after she left home, severely hampering early tracking efforts. Family members emphasized that a backpack she carried—an item they said she never left without—was recovered near the scene or in connection with the recovery efforts. This personal belonging has added to the family’s grief, serving as a poignant reminder of her everyday life interrupted.

During the search of Thomas’ residence and devices, detectives allegedly discovered sexually explicit images and videos involving Buzbee, some timestamped as early as January 6. Thomas is accused of attempting to delete these files, leading to charges of tampering with evidence and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor in Franklin County, Ohio. He was held on a $1.5 million bond.

Federal prosecutors escalated the case on February 10, filing charges in U.S. District Court in Columbus for sexual exploitation of a minor and traveling in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An affidavit details Thomas’ alleged grooming behavior, including prior visits to Indiana (with bank records showing purchases near Buzbee’s workplace in June 2025) and his use of online platforms to build trust before the fatal encounter.

The Fishers Police Department, led by Chief Ed Gebhart, described the case as involving technology that allowed detectives to quickly identify Thomas through vehicle sightings in Buzbee’s neighborhood and digital footprints. The FBI’s Cincinnati and Indianapolis field offices coordinated the multistate effort, emphasizing the role of encrypted apps in such investigations.

Buzbee’s family has spoken publicly about their devastation. They described her as a typical high school student who worked at a local restaurant and enjoyed gaming as a social outlet. In the wake of the tragedy, her parents have supported legislative efforts dubbed “Hailey’s Law.” Indiana lawmakers introduced measures in mid-February 2026 to create a “Pink Alert” system or expand existing protocols for missing persons cases involving suspicious circumstances, particularly when teens may be at risk from online contacts but don’t qualify for an Amber Alert. Thousands have signed related petitions, arguing that the initial runaway classification delayed public alerts and potentially cost critical time.

The case has reignited national debates over online safety for minors. Gaming platforms and encrypted messaging have come under scrutiny for enabling predatory behavior. Authorities have urged parents to monitor online interactions, while experts note that groomers often exploit shared interests like games to build rapport over months or years.

Thomas’ attorney, Sam Shamansky, has confirmed cooperation with investigators but provided limited additional details. Thomas turned himself in over the weekend prior to the body recovery and has since faced federal custody. No murder or homicide charges have been filed as of mid-February 2026, though officials indicate the investigation remains active and additional counts are anticipated based on forensic results and witness statements.

The FBI Cincinnati Field Office issued a statement expressing condolences to Buzbee’s family and stressing that the probe continues across multiple jurisdictions. “We are all deeply saddened by the events,” the statement read, adding that timelines for further releases depend on evidence processing.

As details continue to emerge from court filings, the Buzbee case serves as a stark warning about the hidden dangers in online spaces. For a family that once hoped for a safe return, the focus now shifts to justice and preventing similar tragedies. Hailey Buzbee’s story has left communities in Indiana and Ohio mourning, with calls for stronger safeguards echoing far beyond state lines.