By TIM SPEARS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
The family of Hailey Buzbee is inviting the public to join a celebration of life on Thursday.
“Though her time was brief, Hailey filled each day with love, purpose, and joy,” her obituary reads.
The 17-year-old Hamilton Southeastern High School student was reported missing in early January, sparking a search that garnered national attention. Police discovered her remains this week in Perry County, Ohio, prompting an outpouring of support from friends, coworkers, and the community.
On Facebook, Hailey’s father, Beau Buzbee, welcomed all to “gather to honor and celebrate our beautiful Hailey and the extraordinary love she brought into this world.”
People are encouraged to wear pink, Hailey’s favorite color.
Hailey worked as a server at The Kitchen on Main in Fortville. The restaurant made pink ribbons available for pick up this week to show support for Buzbee, her family, and the creation of a “Pink Alert,” a newly-proposed alert for missing people who don’t qualify for an AMBER alert or Indiana Silver Alert.
Some Indiana lawmakers have shown interest in changing the alert system, following Hailey’s death, and Gov. Mike Braun said he’s working with Indiana State Police to “identify solutions.”
“The changes we make together will be rooted in the love Hailey brought into the world during her time with us,” Beau wrote in her obituary.
The Celebration of Life Service is Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. inside ITOWN Church, located at 12491 E. 136th St., Fishers. Doors open at 5 p.m.
39-year-old Tyler Thomas is the primary suspect in Buzbee’s disappearance. Investigators believe Thomas met her through online gaming and drove her from Fishers to Ohio. His attorney told News 8 Thomas led investigators “directly to Buzbee’s remains.”
Thomas is being held at the Franklin County Jail in Columbus, Ohio. Court records show Thomas has a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/local-news/hailey-buzbees-family-invites-community-to-celebration-of-life.
