Hailey Hosford was just 27 years old—vibrant, kind, and deeply loved by her friends, clients, and community. A talented hairstylist and yoga retreat instructor in Sunrise, Florida, she had built a life that radiated warmth and positivity. But in the early morning hours of May 28, 2025, that bright life was stolen in a brutal, senseless act of violence that left an entire community reeling.
It was around 1:30 a.m. when Hailey returned to her apartment at The Retreat at Sawgrass Village, a luxury complex nestled in a quiet neighborhood. She parked her sleek black Mercedes in the garage, unaware that she was being watched. Security footage would later reveal the chilling truth—21-year-old Jackson Julian Sagesse Jr. was lurking nearby. Within moments, he approached her vehicle, forced open the door, and launched a vicious attack.
Hailey struggled to escape, but the assault was relentless. As she tried to get back into her car, Sagesse stabbed her repeatedly. A male friend who had momentarily stepped away returned at the worst possible moment. In a desperate attempt to help her, he was slashed in the throat. Though gravely injured, he survived—long enough to call 911 and recount the horror.
At 2:01 a.m., police arrived to find Hailey unconscious. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sagesse was quickly tracked to his nearby apartment. When officers entered, they found a chilling scene: two steak knives, one tucked into his pocket and another in his car. During questioning, Sagesse didn’t hesitate to admit what he’d done. His words were devoid of remorse: “I just killed someone and walked away.”
The news sent shockwaves through the Sunrise community. Hailey wasn’t just another face in the crowd—she was a friend, a confidante, a spark of joy to everyone who knew her. Her social media pages were filled with photos of smiling clients, scenic yoga retreats, and sun-soaked days spent with friends. She had a gift for making people feel seen and heard.
Aubrey Rosebrock, one of her closest friends, described Hailey as “light in human form.” Through tears, she shared that “there is good and evil in this world, and this week, we lost the good.” Her words captured what many felt but couldn’t quite articulate. Hailey represented kindness, joy, and a zest for life that inspired everyone around her.
In the days that followed, a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover funeral costs and honor Hailey’s legacy. The response was immediate and overwhelming—within 48 hours, it had raised over $14,500. Donations poured in from friends, clients, and strangers alike, many leaving heartfelt messages about the way Hailey had touched their lives.
But no amount of money could erase the pain. Her clients mourned the stylist who had become a friend. Her yoga students remembered the instructor who helped them find peace. Her family now faced the unimaginable void left behind.
As the investigation continues, questions linger. Why Hailey? Why that night? What drove a 21-year-old man to commit such a horrific act? These questions may never have answers that make sense. But what is certain is that Hailey’s death was not in vain—her memory has sparked conversations about safety, violence, and how quickly life can be taken.
In the quiet moments since her passing, loved ones have gathered not just to mourn, but to remember. They’ve shared stories of Hailey’s laugh, her fierce hugs, and the way she always knew just what to say. They’ve pledged to carry her light forward, to live with the same joy and compassion she gave to the world.
Hailey Hosford was more than a headline. She was a daughter, a friend, a healer, and a dreamer. And though her life was cut tragically short, the love she gave continues to ripple through every person lucky enough to have known her.
