Chloie Leverette and Gage Daniel: Siblings Disappear After Mysterious Fire Claims Their Grandparents' Lives

In the peaceful town of Unionville, Tennessee, life seemed simple and joyful for 9-year-old Chloie Leverette and her 7-year-old brother, Gage Daniel. 

The children lived with their grandparents, Mollie and Leon “Bubba” McClaran. 

They spent their days playing outdoors on the expansive farm property.

However, a tragic event on September 23, 2012, forever changed the lives of their loved ones.

A Family's Quiet Life in Tennessee

Chloie Leverette was born on June 23, 2003 into a close-knit family in Tennessee. 

She was a loving and protective big sister to Gage Daniel, who was born on June 29, 2005. 

Gage, who was nicknamed "Buster" by his family, was diagnosed with Dandy-Walker Syndrome.

It is a rare congenital brain condition that affects coordination and development. 

However, Gage’s condition never seemed to dampen his joyful spirit. 

He loved following his grandfather around the farm, and his sister Chloie was always by his side.

Their mother, Cheryl Daniel, faced significant challenges too.

This included the death of Chloie’s biological father and the struggles that eventually led to the children living with their grandparents.

Their grandparents, Mollie and Bubba McClaran adored Chloie and Gage.

They provided a stable and loving home for the two siblings. 

The children thrived under their grandparents’ care, enjoying the outdoors and the simplicity of rural life.

An Ordinary Day Turns to Tragedy

Sunday, September 23, 2012, started off like any ordinary day, with the children playing on the farm as usual.

They spent the day playing outside, riding their Gator around the family property.

As evening approached, Chloie and Gage were called inside around 6:30 p.m. to start their nighttime routine. 

The next day was a school day, so they had to prepare.

But just a few hours later, everything would change. 

At approximately 9:30 p.m., the local fire department received a 911 call reporting a house fire. 

When firefighters arrived, they found the McClaran home fully engulfed in flames. 

Despite their best efforts, it was difficult to control the blaze due to limited water supply in the rural area. 

This caused delays in extinguishing the flames.

When the fire was finally put out, the remains of Mollie and Bubba McClaran, along with the family dog and pet bird, were discovered in the ashes. 

However, there were no signs of Chloie or Gage.

Chloie and Gage's mother,  Cheryl Daniel

Where Are Chloie and Gage?

Initially, it was believed that Chloie and Gage had perished in the fire alongside their grandparents. 

But as investigators sifted through the charred remains of the house, they made a shocking discovery—there was no trace of the children. 

No remains, no bones, not even teeth were found. 

Forensic experts, including anthropologists, were brought in to search the debris more thoroughly.

However, after days of searching, they confirmed what was already suspected: Chloie and Gage were not in the house when the fire occurred.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued an Amber Alert on September 26, 2012, officially marking the children as missing. 

Despite extensive searches and media coverage, no one has been able to determine where Chloie and Gage went or what happened to them that night.

Theories and Suspicions: What Really Happened?

The cause of the fire remains undetermined to this day. 

Investigators initially suggested it could have been an accident.

They noted that over 30 propane tanks were stored in the basement of the home, some of which had ruptured during the blaze. 

However, there was no evidence of an explosion. 

The children’s mother, Cheryl Daniel, firmly believes the fire was deliberately set and that her children were kidnapped.

She believes that someone killed her parents, Mollie and Bubba, and took Chloie and Gage from the home. 

Her belief is supported by the fact that no remains of the children were discovered in the house.

Cheryl has never stopped searching for her children.

She holds onto hope that they are still alive somewhere.

Over the years, a few leads have surfaced, though none have provided definitive answers. 

In 2013, a year after the fire, a witness reported seeing a girl who resembled Chloie at a restaurant. 

A photo was taken and shown to Cheryl, who believed the girl could indeed be her daughter. 

Unfortunately, authorities were unable to locate the girl or confirm her identity, leaving the lead cold.

Cheryl continues to believe that her children are out there, alive, and waiting to come home. 

Despite the years that have passed, Chloie and Gage’s disappearance remains an open case. 

The TBI continues to accept tips, though there has been little new information in recent years. 

For Cheryl, the lack of answers is agonizing, but she refuses to give up hope. 

She prays daily for their safe return.

She holds onto her faith that one day, she will be reunited with her children.

Cheryl’s message to the world is clear: “Please keep looking for them.” 

She believes that someone, somewhere, knows what happened to Chloie and Gage.

Cheryl Daniel continues to plead for that person to come forward with the truth. 

For her, the hope that her children are still alive is what keeps her going, even as the years without them continue to stretch on.

As of today, it has been more than a decade since Chloie Leverette and Gage Daniel disappeared from their home in Unionville, Tennessee. 

The fire that destroyed their home and took the lives of their grandparents remains a mystery, and the fate of the two children is still unknown. 

The case remains unsolved, leaving their family and community in a state of perpetual grief and uncertainty.

Cheryl Daniel continues to search for her children, relying on her faith to carry her through each passing day. 

“I know God has them and either way, I will see them again one day,” She said 

Until then, the search for Chloie and Gage goes on, driven by a mother’s unwavering love and determination to bring her children home.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Chloie and Gage or the fire that occurred on September 23, 2012, please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or email [email protected].

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