Wife, mother missing in metro Atlanta after traveling for church conference; SUV found abandoned

Leigh McAlister, 37, of West Columbia, S.C., disappeared after driving to Atlanta for a church event.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Leigh McAlister, a 37-year-old woman from West Columbia, South Carolina, has gone missing in the metro Atlanta area. McAlister traveled to Atlanta on February 13 for a church conference, but her family last heard from her that evening. Her SUV was later found abandoned at The Battery in Cobb County on February 16, with her personal belongings still inside, leading to concerns about her whereabouts.

Why it matters

McAlister's disappearance has sparked a search across metro Atlanta, as authorities work to piece together her movements and determine what may have happened. Her family is deeply concerned, as she has never gone missing before and has a young 4-year-old daughter waiting for her return.

The details

According to police, McAlister drove to Atlanta on February 13 for a church conference in Midtown. Her husband, Rob, said he last heard from her that evening. On February 16, her SUV was found abandoned at The Battery in Cobb County, with her phone, wallet, and other personal belongings still inside. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from locations in Buckhead and other parts of metro Atlanta as they investigate her disappearance.

  • On February 13, McAlister drove to Atlanta for a church conference.
  • On February 14, police say she was last seen.
  • On February 16, her SUV was found abandoned at The Battery in Cobb County.

The players

Leigh McAlister

A 37-year-old woman from West Columbia, South Carolina, who went missing in metro Atlanta after traveling to the city for a church conference.

Rob McAlister

Leigh McAlister's husband, who reported her missing and is searching for her in Atlanta.

Cobb County Police

The law enforcement agency investigating Leigh McAlister's disappearance and the circumstances surrounding her abandoned vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“It's not like her.”

— Rob McAlister, Leigh McAlister's husband (11alive.com)

What’s next

Cobb County Police are continuing to review surveillance footage and investigate the circumstances surrounding Leigh McAlister's disappearance, with the hope of locating her and determining what may have happened.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of swift action and community support when a person goes missing, especially when their disappearance is out of character. The search for Leigh McAlister is ongoing, and her family remains deeply concerned for her safety and well-being.