In the quiet, rolling hills of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, a community is on high alert as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has issued an urgent Endangered Child Alert for 16-year-old Kevin James Hood, who vanished from his home on Thorn Grove Pike on the afternoon of August 5, 2025. The sudden disappearance of this young man, whose mobility is limited by a knee brace and crutches, has sparked a wave of concern, uniting authorities and residents in a desperate search to bring him home safely.
Kevin was last seen at his residence on Tuesday afternoon, dressed in black gym shorts and a gray t-shirt. His right leg, supported by a knee brace, and his reliance on crutches make his disappearance all the more alarming, as his physical condition could leave him vulnerable. The TBI and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office have not disclosed specific details about the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s absence, but the issuance of an Endangered Child Alert underscores the gravity of the situation. This designation signals that Kevin may be at significant risk, prompting authorities to act swiftly and enlist the public’s help.
Described as a 16-year-old with no publicly specified height or weight, Kevin’s distinguishing features include the knee brace on his right leg and his use of crutches. These details paint a picture of a teen who may face challenges moving quickly or far, heightening fears for his well-being. While there is no current evidence of foul play, investigators are keeping all possibilities open, refusing to take any chances with Kevin’s safety.
The Strawberry Plains community, nestled in the heart of Sevier County, is no stranger to coming together in times of need. Now, residents are being called upon to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Authorities are urging anyone in the area—or beyond—to stay vigilant and report any sightings of Kevin or any information that could lead to his whereabouts. Whether it’s a fleeting glimpse of a teen on crutches or a tip about suspicious activity, no detail is too small to make a difference.
The TBI and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office are working tirelessly, but they know the key to finding Kevin lies with the public. They’ve provided two critical contact numbers for anyone with information: the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at (865) 453-4668 and the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Every call, every tip, could be the breakthrough needed to reunite Kevin with his loved ones.
As the hours tick by, the urgency grows. Kevin James Hood is out there, and a community is holding its breath, hoping for his safe return. In Strawberry Plains, where neighbors are like family, the resolve to find Kevin is unshakable. The message is clear: someone, somewhere, knows something. And that knowledge could be the lifeline that brings a 16-year-old boy back home.
