Missing GA Firefighters Found Dead In Car Near TN Road: Police

COCKE COUNTY, TN — Two Georgia firefighters who have been missing for nearly a week were found dead Sunday morning along a Tennessee road, according to authorities.

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

Though the sheriff's office did not identify the deceased, Hinesville Police confirmed the bodies belonged 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.

Their manner and cause of deaths were not released, pending an autopsy. Tennessee authorities did not release further details on 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, per Missing People in America and media reports.

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

It was believed the duo was headed toward the area of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee.

Liberty County Fire Services took to Facebook on Sunday to express condolences.

"Liberty County Fire Services is deeply saddened to receive 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 the families and the department staff be observed at this time," read the department statement.

Anderson and Kuhbander were previously romantically involved, WTOC reported.

Kuhbander's mother, Jane, said the family realized something had gone wrong when Kuhbander did not attend his sister's birthday party, the news outlet reported.

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

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

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