After more than two decades of questions and heartache, a North Carolina woman reported missing in 2001 has been found alive.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Michele Hundley Smith, now 62, was located on Feb. 20 at an undisclosed location in North Carolina. Smith was 38 years old and a mother of three when she disappeared after leaving to go Christmas shopping in December 2001. Authorities say detectives recently received new information that led to contact, and she is reportedly in good health. At Smith’s request, her whereabouts remain private.
The emotional impact on her family has been profound. Her daughter Amanda, who was 14 at the time of her mother’s disappearance, shared that she feels “ecstatic, pissed, heartbroken” and conflicted about whether reconciliation is possible. Meanwhile, relatives expressed relief simply knowing Smith is alive.
Sheriff Sam Page said Smith cited domestic issues as the reason she left, though no prior reports were filed. Authorities are reviewing whether any charges could apply.
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