Missing North Carolina Woman Found Alive After 24 Years

A remarkable case of a North Carolina woman found alive after 24 years has captured national attention. Michele Hundley Smith, reported missing since 2001, was located in an undisclosed area of North Carolina. On Friday, local officials confirmed her well-being and revealed that she requested her location to remain confidential.

Background of the Disappearance

Michele Smith, then 38 years old, was last seen on December 9, 2001. She left her home in Eden, North Carolina, to shop at a K-Mart in Martinsville, Virginia. By December 31, 2001, she was officially reported as missing.

Details of the Recovery

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office reported that Michele was found in good health. Sheriff Sam Page clarified that there were no allegations of foul play surrounding her absence. He noted that Michele mentioned domestic issues prior to her departure.

Response from Authorities

Authorities worked diligently on Michele’s case for over two decades. They solicited tips online in 2020 and 2021, even offering cash rewards for information that could lead to her whereabouts.

Family Reactions

Michele’s daughter, Amanda, shared her emotions on Facebook following the news of her mother’s discovery. She expressed a mix of happiness and frustration, stating that the situation has been a “whirlwind of emotions.” Amanda emphasized the need for respect for their family during this complicated time.

• Emotional Response: Amanda stated that hearing her mother is alive has left her feeling “ecstatic, pissed, heartbroken.”
• Defending Family Members: Amanda defended her father, addressing past accusations related to her mother’s disappearance.

Support from Siblings

Michele’s other children also expressed their relief upon learning she is alive. They conveyed their love for her and their hope for future contact, stating that “all is forgiven.” However, they understand her current wish for privacy.

Next Steps in the Investigation

As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the case. The district attorney’s office is continuing to investigate the matter while respecting Michele’s wishes regarding privacy. This extraordinary recovery adds an unexpected twist to a case that has lingered in the community for decades.