RALEIGH, N.C. — A North Carolina mother of three who disappeared more than two decades ago has resurfaced, telling authorities she intentionally walked away from her family in an effort to start a new life.

The woman, who vanished 24 years ago and was long presumed missing under troubling circumstances, recently contacted law enforcement and confirmed she had left voluntarily, according to officials familiar with the case.

At the time of her disappearance, relatives reported her missing after she failed to return home and stopped contacting friends and family. Investigators initially explored the possibility of foul play, and her case remained open for years as a missing persons investigation.

‘I Needed to Leave’

In a statement relayed through authorities, the woman said she felt overwhelmed by personal pressures and responsibilities and made the decision to leave without informing her family. She reportedly relocated out of state and lived under a different identity for years.

Law enforcement officials said there is no indication she was abducted or the victim of a crime. Because she left of her own accord and was an adult at the time, no criminal charges are expected.

Investigators declined to release her name publicly, citing privacy concerns.

Family Impact

Her disappearance had a lasting impact on her three children and extended family, who spent years searching for answers. Missing persons advocates note that while voluntary disappearances are rare, they can leave emotional scars similar to cases involving unresolved crimes.

Experts say adults in the United States are legally permitted to leave their families unless doing so violates specific custody orders or court mandates. However, abandoning minor children can raise separate legal and civil issues depending on the circumstances at the time.

A Case Closed

Authorities confirmed the case has now been formally closed. Officials emphasized that while the outcome differs from many long-term missing persons investigations, it underscores the importance of keeping cases open and periodically reviewing new information.

For the family involved, the reappearance brings answers — though not necessarily closure — to a mystery that endured for nearly a quarter-century.