ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (rbs news now) — A woman reported missing more than two decades ago has been located alive, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Michelle Lyn Hundley Smith, who was 38 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing Dec. 31, 2001.

Authorities said she had been missing since Dec. 9, 2001, after reportedly leaving her home on Price Road in Eden to travel to K-Mart in Martinsville, Virginia, for Christmas shopping and never returning.

An extensive investigation was launched at the time.

Over the years, multiple agencies assisted in the case, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Despite numerous leads and investigative efforts, her whereabouts remained unknown for more than 24 years.

On Feb. 19, 2026, the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division received new information regarding Smith’s disappearance.

Detectives said they followed up on the lead and, on Feb. 20, 2026, Sgt. A. Disher and Detective C. Worley made contact with Smith at an undisclosed location within North Carolina.

Authorities said Smith was found alive and well.

At her request, her current location will not be released.

Her family has been notified and informed of her request for privacy.

Copyright 2026 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.