Community mourns after bodies of missing Georgia firefighters found

A Georgia community is mourning the deaths of two firefighters whose bodies were found in Tennessee.

Raegan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander were found dead in Cocke County, the Hinesville Police Department said in a Facebook post Sunday. Anderson’s vehicle was also recovered.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Anderson and Kuhbander families at this incredibly difficult time,” Hinesville police said.

Officials released photos of Anderson and Kuhbander in the days before their bodies were found, as well as a photo of the car, a black 2017 Ford Focus. Officials said they were likely in that vehicle.

Kuhbander and his ex-girlfriend Anderson were last seen on June 25 in Savannah, Georgia.

Jane Kuhbander, Chandler’s mother, told Court TV she thought her son got into Anderson’s car “under duress.” She said she is having trouble coming to terms with her seven-year relationship with Anderson, which ended in 2023.

Jane Kuhbander said her son returned home but continued to see Anderson at work.

She also said she believed Anderson was in a “bad mental state.”

“She’s a danger to herself,” she said. “Raegan is a wonderful person. She’s a great firefighter. We just want her to come home and get help.”

Jane Kuhbander said surveillance footage shows a car resembling Anderson’s circling the mall parking lot while Anderson was inside. He left the mall a few minutes after the car arrived.

Chandler Kuhbander and Anderson began dating in high school. They both worked for the Liberty County Fire Department in Hinesville.

“Liberty County Fire Services is deeply saddened to hear the news regarding Lt. Raegan Anderson and Senior Firefighter Chandler Kuhbander,” Liberty County Fire said in a statement. “These two incredibly dedicated employees poured their hearts and souls into protecting and serving the citizens of Liberty County. Our prayers, as well as the prayers of the department, are with the families during this most difficult time.”

The Hinesville Police Department did not provide any additional details regarding the discovery of the bodies, the vehicle or the events leading up to their deaths.

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee State Bureau of Investigation are investigating at the scene.

The bodies were sent for autopsy to determine the cause and circumstances of death.

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