North Carolina Woman Reunited With Daughter After 24 Years

Michele Hundley Smith embraced her daughter Amanda Hundley outside a North Carolina courthouse after vanishing over two decades ago.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A North Carolina woman named Michele Hundley Smith, who vanished more than 24 years ago, was reunited with her daughter Amanda Hundley in an emotional embrace outside a courthouse on Thursday. Smith had disappeared in 2001 after leaving her family to go Christmas shopping, but was recently located by authorities within the state. She appeared in court on a 2001 DWI charge, where the tearful reunion with her now-grown daughter took place.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lasting impact of a parent's disappearance on their family, as well as the complexities that can arise when someone who has been missing for decades is finally found. The reunion between Smith and her daughter raises questions about the reasons behind Smith's decision to leave her family and the family's ability to reconcile after so much time apart.

The details

Michele Hundley Smith, now 63 years old, vanished from her home in Eden, North Carolina on December 9, 2001 after leaving her three children to go Christmas shopping. Her vehicle was never found and she did not return home, leading her husband to report her missing later that month. Authorities searched for Smith for over two decades, until she was located in an undisclosed location within North Carolina earlier this year. Smith told investigators she left her family of her own accord due to "ongoing domestic issues", though details about those issues have not been provided.

  • On December 9, 2001, Smith disappeared after leaving her home to go Christmas shopping.
  • On November 11, 2001, the Eden Police Department issued a DWI charge against Smith.
  • On December 27, 2001, Smith failed to appear in court for the DWI charge.
  • On February 20, 2026, Smith was located by authorities within North Carolina.
  • On February 25, 2026, Smith was taken into custody on the outstanding DWI warrant.

The players

Michele Hundley Smith

A 63-year-old North Carolina woman who disappeared from her family over 24 years ago and was recently located by authorities.

Amanda Hundley

The daughter of Michele Hundley Smith, who was emotionally reunited with her mother outside the courthouse after over two decades apart.

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What they’re saying

“Amanda?" Hundley Smith could be heard saying. "Your hair wasn't this length. We walked right by you. I didn't recognize you.”

— Michele Hundley Smith

What’s next

Smith's next court appearance for the 2001 DWI charge is scheduled for April 23.

The takeaway

This case highlights the profound impact a parent's disappearance can have on their family, as well as the complexities that arise when someone who has been missing for decades is finally found. The emotional reunion between Smith and her daughter raises questions about the reasons behind Smith's decision to leave and the family's ability to reconcile after so much time apart.