In the late winter of 2026, the life of a Chicago Heights family was turned upside down when their 14-year-old son, Chance Anderson-Barnes, disappeared. The young teen left his home on March 8th, taking with him only the clothes he was wearing at the time. His adoptive parents, Danielle and Kirby VanVliet, were left with a profound sense of worry and a multitude of unanswered questions. Chance was known as a focused eighth-grade student who kept his grades up and had a passion for sports, particularly basketball, and music. His sudden departure was out of character, leaving his family to grapple with the painful reality of his absence.
The circumstances surrounding Chance's disappearance suggest a complex family situation may have played a role. His parents believe he may have been persuaded or coerced to leave by biological siblings with whom he had only recently connected on Facebook. This newfound connection appears to have created a rift, with his mother expressing that the siblings were 'feeding him things that weren't true' and coaching him on how to report his adoptive parents to child services. The family believes that an adult may have arranged for a car to pick him up. He was last officially seen on Chicago's South Side, near 70th Street and Jeffery Boulevard, a considerable distance from his home. Further sightings were reported in other Chicago neighborhoods, leading his mother to believe he was being moved between the homes of his various siblings.
In the wake of his disappearance, a search was launched, and the family made desperate pleas for his safe return. The Chicago Heights Police Department opened an investigation, working alongside other agencies to follow any leads. His case was also registered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Chance is described as being 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, with chin-length dreadlocks. His family has taken to social media to spread awareness, expressing their unconditional love and reassuring him that any issues could be worked through upon his return. The case highlights the heart-wrenching uncertainty that families of missing children face, as they are left to hope and search for answers about the whereabouts and well-being of their loved one.
Last Seen: Mar 08, 2026
