Hailey Hosford Remembered: Sunrise Community Devastated by the Tragic Death of 28-Year-Old Fort Lauderdale Hairstylist Fatally Stabbed in Violent Attack

A Life Cut Short

The vibrant South Florida community is mourning the devastating loss of Hailey Hosford, a 28-year-old beloved hairstylist from Fort Lauderdale, who was tragically killed in a violent stabbing in Sunrise, Florida, in the early morning hours of May 28, 2025. The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through the local beauty and wellness industry and beyond, as friends, family, clients, and community members grieve the loss of a woman remembered for her radiant energy, creativity, and kindness.

The Incident: A Violent Attack in the Early Hours

According to Sunrise Police, the incident unfolded shortly after 1:40 a.m. at The Retreat at Sawgrass Village, a quiet, upscale residential complex in Sunrise. A male victim, seriously injured from a stab wound to the neck, called 911, alerting authorities that he and his friend had been attacked in the apartment complex’s parking garage. Officers arriving on scene found him bleeding and barely able to speak—but with enough clarity to direct them to his vehicle, where Hailey lay unresponsive.

She was found inside a black Mercedes-Benz, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency responders’ swift arrival, Hailey was pronounced dead at the scene. The male victim, whose name has not been released to the public, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Arrest and Charges

Police quickly identified and arrested 21-year-old Jackson Julian Sagesse Jr., a resident of Sunrise, in connection with the attack. While investigators have yet to publicly confirm a motive or the nature of the relationship between Sagesse and the victims, he was taken into custody later that same day. Sagesse has since refused to appear in bond court and remains in custody without bond. He faces multiple charges related to the violent stabbing.

The shocking and senseless nature of the crime has left many stunned, prompting questions about safety and justice, as well as an urgent desire to better understand the events that led to such a heartbreaking tragedy.

Who Was Hailey Hosford?

To those who knew her, Hailey Hosford was far more than a name in a tragic news headline. She was a talented, creative, and deeply compassionate young woman whose life centered around uplifting others—through both her work as a hairstylist and her personal relationships.

Hailey had established herself as a skilled professional in the Fort Lauderdale beauty scene, building a loyal clientele who trusted her not only for her expertise but for the warmth and positivity she exuded in every appointment. “She made every person in her chair feel beautiful,” said longtime client and friend Lauren James. “She didn’t just style your hair—she lifted your spirit.”

Friends and colleagues describe her as energetic, empathetic, and driven. From a young age, Hailey had shown a passion for the beauty industry. After earning her cosmetology license, she quickly gained recognition for her ability to blend artistry with an intuitive understanding of her clients’ personalities and needs. She was known to often stay after hours to help clients with emergencies or support colleagues with mentorship and encouragement.

Outside of work, Hailey was the kind of friend who showed up—whether it was organizing birthday parties, cooking meals for sick neighbors, or volunteering for local animal rescues. Her bright blue eyes, infectious laugh, and signature sense of style made her unforgettable to everyone she met.

The Ripple Effects of a Life Lost

Hailey’s murder has left a hole in many lives. Her family, still in shock, has asked for privacy but shared that they are “overwhelmed by the love” shown by the community in the wake of her death. A candlelight vigil is being organized by friends near her workplace, and a GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral expenses and support her grieving family surpassed its goal within 24 hours.

“This isn’t just a personal loss,” said one of Hailey’s colleagues. “This is a community loss. Hailey had a way of bringing people together. Whether she knew you for years or just met you, you felt like you were her best friend.”

Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Justice

Sunrise Police and the Broward County State Attorney’s Office continue their investigation into the stabbing. While the suspect is in custody, many questions remain unanswered—particularly what led to such violence in what was otherwise a peaceful residential neighborhood.

Authorities have asked for anyone with additional information or surveillance footage to come forward. “This investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served for Hailey and her family,” said a spokesperson for the Sunrise Police Department.

Honoring Hailey’s Legacy

As details continue to emerge, the focus for many remains on honoring Hailey’s legacy. Friends have spoken of establishing a scholarship fund in her name for aspiring hairstylists, and her family is considering organizing community outreach programs dedicated to nonviolence, mental health awareness, and women’s empowerment—causes close to Hailey’s heart.

“She always believed in the power of transformation,” said her former instructor from cosmetology school. “Whether it was a makeover or helping someone believe in themselves again, she changed people’s lives.”

Her favorite quote, now being shared widely on social media in her memory, was from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Those who knew Hailey agree—she made everyone feel special.

Final Reflections

In the face of such an unimaginable loss, the Sunrise and Fort Lauderdale communities are holding onto what Hailey gave them in life: joy, encouragement, and unconditional kindness. Her death is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the cruelty that sometimes shatters it—but also a call to action to live as she did, with passion, heart, and a commitment to making the world more beautiful in every possible way.

If you or someone you know has information related to the attack, please contact the Sunrise Police Department at (954) 764-HELP or leave an anonymous tip through Broward Crime Stoppers.

For more on the story, you can read the local coverage here: Local10 News

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