Missing North Carolina mom found alive after 24 years

Michelle Hundely Smith disappeared during Christmas shopping in 2001, ending decades-long mystery for her family.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A North Carolina woman who was reported missing more than two decades ago was found alive, bringing a 24-year investigation to a close, authorities said. Michelle Hundely Smith, who disappeared in December 2001 at the age of 38, was located on Feb. 20 in North Carolina after detectives received new information about her case.

Why it matters

The case had remained a mystery for over two decades, with Smith's family never knowing what happened to her. Her cousin Barbara Byrd had searched for answers for years, even turning to true crime podcasts and TV shows to keep her name in the news. The discovery that Smith has been alive and well all this time has left her family with conflicting emotions.

The details

Smith was 38 years old when her husband reported that she had left their Eden home on Dec. 9, 2001, to go Christmas shopping in Martinsville, Virginia, and never returned. An extensive investigation followed, involving multiple agencies across North Carolina and Virginia, but her whereabouts remained unknown until last week, when detectives made contact with her at an "undisclosed location within North Carolina." At her request, officials said her current location will not be disclosed, and the motive for her disappearance remains unknown.

  • Smith disappeared on December 9, 2001.
  • She was located on February 20, 2026.

The players

Michelle Hundely Smith

A North Carolina woman who was reported missing more than two decades ago and was recently found alive.

Barbara Byrd

Smith's cousin who searched for answers about her whereabouts for years, even turning to true crime podcasts and TV shows to keep her name in the news.

Amanda

Smith's daughter who was recently informed of the development regarding her mother's whereabouts and is still processing the news.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I kind of want to go outside and scream, 'she's alive, she's alive,'”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“For years, we didn't know if we were grieving or waiting.”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“My biggest question is to her... what happened all those years ago in December? What made you leave? What happened?”

— Barbara Byrd, Smith's cousin (WFMY)

“As far as my opinions and feelings on my mom, I am ecstatic, I am p—-ed, I am heartbroken, I am all over the map! Will I have a relationship once more with my mom?”

— Amanda, Smith's daughter (Facebook)

“Honestly, I can't answer that because I don't even know. My initial reaction would be yes, absolutely, but then I think of all the hurt.”

— Amanda, Smith's daughter (Facebook)

What’s next

The Rockingham County Sheriff's Office has not disclosed Smith's current location at her request, and it remains unclear if she will reconnect with her family.

The takeaway

This case highlights the profound impact that a missing person can have on their loved ones, who are left with unanswered questions and conflicting emotions even decades later. While Smith's family is relieved she is alive, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and her decision to remain out of contact have added a new layer of complexity to the situation.