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Written by: E. George
Published August 20, 2024 @ 1:45 PM ET
Update #2: A newly released autopsy report has revealed additional details about the deaths of two Georgia firefighters, Raegan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander. According to the report, the 24-year-olds were the victims of a murder-suicide. Anderson fatally shot Kuhbander before turning the gun on herself.
Anderson and Kuhbander had worked together at Liberty County Fire Services in Hinesville and dated for seven years before breaking up in 2023.
Prior to their disappearance, Anderson was arrested on Saturday, June 22 after she walked into an Olive Garden and confronted Kuhbander while he was on a date with another woman. According to reports, Anderson verbally assaulted his date, making her “uncomfortable” until she left.
As he and Anderson argued in the parking lot afterward, she allegedly keyed his car, broke the gas cap, and tore the rear windshield wiper off. Anderson was arrested and charged with criminal damage to property in the second degree and violation of city ordinance.
On Monday, June 24, Kuhbander’s mother reportedly stated that she talked to him on the phone around 10 AM and he said Anderson was “blowing up his phone” and threatening to commit suicide. “It’s not the first time that she’s done it,” claimed Kuhbander’s mom. That was the last she heard from him.
The pair were last seen alive on June 25 in Savannah, Georgia. Their bodies were discovered five days later in Anderson’s black Ford Focus in Cocke County, Tennessee, more than 300 miles from where they had last been seen.
Investigators believe Anderson had allegedly kidnapped Kuhbander. Described as “unstable” in the autopsy report, Anderson drove Kuhbander to a remote, wooded area in Tennessee where they were later found dead inside her car.
Kuhbander was discovered dead in the passenger seat with Anderson sitting on top of him.
Anderson’s toxicology report returned negative, and both individuals were confirmed dead from gunshot wounds to the head. Anderson had left a suicide note dated June 25, expressing deep remorse and apologizing to her grandmother.
The note, discovered alongside their IDs in the vehicle, read, “I’m sorry to whoever found us. I am sorry to everyone I hurt.” Anderson also left a message for her grandmother, saying, “Tell her how sorry I am. I love you, Nanna. I want her to inherit everything.”
Following the discovery of their bodies, Liberty County Fire Services expressed their sorrow, calling Anderson and Kuhbander “extremely dedicated employees” who had devoted their lives to serving their community. The department extended their condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident.
Update #1: Missing firefighters Chandler Kuhbander and Raegan Anderson were found deceased in Cocke County, Tennessee.
A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson stated, “TBI agents are working alongside the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of two people after their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle along Hollow Road in Cosby on Sunday morning.”
The bodies, which were found in Anderson’s vehicle, have been sent for autopsies to identify the causes of death.
Liberty County Fire Chief Brian Darby stated, “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.”
LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. – On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Missing People in America (MPIA) shared a post regarding two missing Georgia firefighters. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Chandler Kuhbander and Raegan Leigh Anderson to contact the Hinesville Police Department at 912-368-8211.
The pair was last seen at the Liberty County Fire Services Station #1 in Midway, Georgia, and reported missing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Relatives confirmed speaking with Kuhbander on Tuesday morning; however, both his and Anderson’s cell phones have since been turned off.
Law enforcement revealed that the duo’s last known location was listed as Cosby, Tennessee, at approximately 7:30 PM on Tuesday, and they believe they were heading for Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. They are reportedly traveling in a low-profile black 2017 Ford Focus with a firefighter logo on the Georgia license plate, GEX655.
The Hinesville Police Department said that Kuhbander’s vehicle was located in Savannah, and Anderson’s vehicle was observed in Richmond Hill. According to reports, Kuhbander’s family does not believe he went with Anderson willingly and fears he is in danger.
MPIA identified this case as requiring “urgent attention” but did not elaborate. Some speculative theories include the two running off together or Anderson possibly kidnapping Kuhbander when she was released from jail after her arrest on June 22, 2024, for felony second-degree criminal damage to property and felony violation of city ordinance.
This case is pending.