Missing Georgia firefighters found dead in car near Tennessee road: police

Lina Portman2 days ago

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Liberty County firefighters Raegan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander, missing for nearly a week, were found dead Sunday.

July 1, 2024, 1:58 p.m. EDT | Updated July 1, 2024 2:04 PM ET

COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Two Georgia firefighters missing for nearly a week were found dead Sunday morning along a Tennessee road, authorities said.

The Cocke County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Office said two people were found dead inside a vehicle along Hollow Road in Cosby, Tennessee.

Although the sheriff's office has not identified the deceased, Hinesville police confirmed the bodies belong to missing Liberty County firefighters Raegan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander.

Anderson's vehicle, a black 2017 Ford Focus, was also found at the scene, police said.

The circumstances and cause of death have not been released, pending an autopsy. Tennessee authorities have not released further details about the case.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Anderson and Kuhbander families during this incredibly difficult time,” Hinesville police said in a Facebook post.

Anderson and Kuhbander disappeared Tuesday from Midway, according to Missing People in America and media reports.

Although Kuhbander's family last spoke to him around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, the MPIA said he and Anderson appeared a few hours later, around 7:30 p.m., at Cosby. Both of their cell phones had been turned off, the MPIA said.

The duo was believed to be heading to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee.

On Sunday, the Liberty County Fire Department took to Facebook to express their condolences.

“The Liberty County Fire Department is deeply saddened to learn of the news regarding Lt. Raegan Anderson and Senior Firefighter Chandler Kuhbander. These two extremely dedicated employees put their hearts and souls into protecting and serving the citizens of Liberty County. Our prayers, and those of the department, are with the families during this most difficult time. We ask that the respect and privacy of families and department staff be respected at this time,” the department’s statement read.

Anderson and Kuhbander were previously romantically involved, WTOC reported.

Kuhbander's mother, Jane, said the family realized something was wrong when Kuhbander didn't attend his sister's birthday party, the outlet reported.

Simultaneously that day, Liberty County firefighters conducted a welfare check at Anderson's home, but she was not located, the outlet reported.

In the days before their disappearance on June 22, Anderson was accused in a police report of breaking into Kuhbander's car after seeing him on a date at a restaurant, WTOC reported.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Cocke County authorities are investigating their deaths.