Cocke County, Tennessee – The tragic deaths of two Liberty County firefighters, Raegan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander, have left their community reeling. Georgia authorities have confirmed that the incident, which resulted in the deaths of the former couple, was a murder-suicide.
The 24-year-old firefighters were reported missing and were later found deceased on June 30 inside Anderson’s vehicle, which was located on private property in Cocke County, Tennessee, over 300 miles from where they were last seen. An autopsy revealed that Anderson shot her ex-boyfriend Kuhbander, also 24, before turning the gun on herself.
The circumstances leading up to this tragic event were deeply troubling. On June 22, just days before their disappearance, Anderson was arrested for confronting Kuhbander at an Olive Garden while he was on a date with another woman. According to reports, Anderson’s actions escalated as she allegedly damaged Kuhbander’s car during a heated argument in the parking lot. This incident resulted in charges of Damage to Property and Disorderly Conduct against Anderson.
On June 24, Anderson reportedly kidnapped Kuhbander, a detail that emerged during the investigation. Their bodies were discovered six days later, with Kuhbander found in the passenger seat and Anderson positioned on top of him. A suicide note left by Anderson was found in the car, where she expressed remorse for her actions and left instructions for her grandmother to inherit her belongings.
The note, dated June 25, read, "I’m sorry to whoever found us. I am sorry to everyone I hurt." Anderson also left a message for her grandmother, stating, "Tell her how sorry I am. I love you, Nanna. I want her to inherit everything."
Anderson and Kuhbander had a tumultuous relationship, having dated for seven years before their breakup in 2023. Both were dedicated employees of Liberty County Fire Services, where they worked together.
The news of their deaths has shocked and saddened the community. Liberty County Fire Services released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, noting that both Anderson and Kuhbander were "extremely dedicated employees" who devoted themselves to protecting and serving the community.
As details of the case have emerged, friends and community members have taken to social media to share their grief. Kiana Greenleaf commented, "She should have checked herself into a hospital as soon as she started having those thoughts. I had to because I knew I didn’t really want to hurt him or myself. Such a tragedy, my heart goes out to him and his family."
Another commenter, Chris Sample, extended condolences, saying, "My prayers and condolences go out to his family, especially his father and brother who I saw looking for him in the comments when he was missing. Also, prayers to her family, their loss is difficult in this moment as well."
This tragic event underscores the importance of mental health support and the devastating consequences that can result when such issues are left unaddressed. The community continues to mourn the loss of both Anderson and Kuhbander as they come to terms with this heartbreaking situation.