Michele Hundley Smith, a North Carolina mother who vanished without explanation on December 9, 2001, has been located alive and well after 24 years, as announced by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office on February 20, 2026.

A North Carolina mom who disappeared 24 years ago has been found alive and well. Michele Hundley Smith, now 62, has requested privacy.

A North Carolina mother of three who vanished over two decades ago was found alive and living a new life — leaving her family reeling with questions over her whereabouts, according to authorities and reports.

Almost 25 years ago, a woman in North Carolina was Christmas shopping when she disappeared. Now, after decades of quiet, Michelle Hundley Smith has been found "alive and well,” authorities have revealed.

Michele Hundley Smith was 38 years old when her husband reported her missing after she didn't return home from a shopping trip to K-Mart in Martinsville, Virginia, on Dec. 9, 2001.

Michele Hundley Smith, 62, was first reported missing in December 2001

A “new lead” is credited with solving the mystery of what became of Michelle Hundley Smith, who vanished while going to K-Mart on Dec. 9, 2001, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said.