North Carolina Mom Michele Hundley Smith Found Alive 24 Years After Vanishing During Christmas Shopping Trip in 2001
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — A mother of three who disappeared more than two decades ago while heading out for Christmas shopping has been found alive, bringing a stunning development to a case that began in 2001.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Michele Hundley Smith, now 62, has been located “alive and well” after detectives received new information about her disappearance.
Disappearance Dates Back to 2001
Smith was first reported missing on Dec. 31, 2001. She was 38 years old at the time.
Investigators say she left her home on Dec. 9, 2001, to go Christmas shopping at a Kmart in Martinsville, Virginia — roughly 17 miles from her North Carolina residence — and never returned.
Her husband was the first to report her missing, launching a case that remained unresolved for 24 years.
New Information Leads to Breakthrough
On Feb. 20, 2026, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office announced that detectives had received new information that ultimately led them to Smith.
Authorities made contact with her at an undisclosed location in North Carolina. Officials described her as “alive and well.”
At Smith’s request, her current whereabouts will not be made public.
Family Notified of Her Location
Law enforcement confirmed that Smith’s family has been informed that she has been located. Officials also said her family was notified about her request to keep her location confidential.
In previous interviews, Smith’s daughter Amanda recalled the night her mother disappeared. Amanda was 14 years old at the time. She said her mother kissed her children goodnight and left the house around 8:30 p.m. that evening.
Amanda described her mother as a caring parent who was always present after school and cooked favorite meals for her children.
A Case That Spanned Decades
Smith’s disappearance left many unanswered questions for more than two decades. Authorities have not publicly detailed what new information led to her discovery or the circumstances surrounding where she has been since 2001.
Officials have also not indicated whether any criminal activity was involved in her disappearance.
For now, the sheriff’s office says the case has taken a dramatic turn with confirmation that Smith is safe.
After 24 years of uncertainty, what do you think about this unexpected development? Share your thoughts in the comments and continue following updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
