Missing North Carolina Woman Found Alive After 24 Years
A remarkable story has emerged from North Carolina, where a woman has been found alive after being missing for 24 years. Michele Hundley Smith was reported missing in December 2001 after she left her home in Eden for a shopping trip and never returned.
Michele Smith’s Disappearance and Discovery
On December 9, 2001, at the age of 38, Michele left to shop at a K-Mart in nearby Martinsville, Virginia. She was officially reported missing three weeks later, on December 31, 2001. After years of inquiries without resolution, Smith was recently located in an undisclosed area of North Carolina.
Response from Officials
According to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Smith is “alive and well.” However, she has requested that her current location remain private. Law enforcement officials have informed her family of her discovery.
Sheriff Sam Page noted that although Smith has not explicitly severed ties with her family, there has been no communication between them since her return. He also revealed that Smith mentioned “domestic issues” as a reason for her departure in 2001, although no records of these issues exist.
Community Reaction and Family Response
The case remained open for over two decades, with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office actively seeking information in 2020 and 2021. The community had shown persistent interest, even offering a cash reward for information regarding her whereabouts.
- Michele’s daughter, Amanda, expressed a mixture of emotions, stating, “These last couple of days… have been a whirlwind of emotions.”
- Amanda appealed for privacy, emphasizing the pain the family has gone through over the years.
- Other family members have expressed joy about her being alive, but they respect her wish for no contact at this time.
Continuing Investigation and Future Outlook
No charges have been filed in relation to Smith’s disappearance, and the investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather more information. District Attorney Katy Gregg confirmed that officials are continuing to assess the situation.
This astonishing development has provided closure for Smith’s family, who feared the worst for over two decades. As they navigate this emotional reunion, they hope for future communication with Michele.
