Woman Located After Two Decades

Michele Hundley Smith, who was reported missing in 2001 at age 38, has been located alive and well by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina after two decades. Authorities confirmed her status last week.

Smith has requested that her current whereabouts remain undisclosed to her family or anyone else. Her family has been informed of her location and her request.

Case Background

Smith left her Rockingham County residence on December 9, 2001, to go shopping in Virginia. She was officially reported missing on December 31, 2001. She has two daughters and a son.

Sheriff Sam Page stated that Smith indicated there were "domestic issues" prior to her departure. However, the sheriff’s office reports no records related to such issues before her disappearance. Detectives are currently conducting a full review of the case in consultation with the district attorney’s office.

Family Reaction

Amanda Smith, one of Michele Hundley Smith's daughters, confirmed that the family has been notified and is experiencing a range of emotions. She stated that while her parents' marriage had issues, her mother's departure was not solely due to marital problems. Amanda Smith also mentioned that a reunion with her mother is uncertain.