10/15/2024
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🔴 Missing Person: Kim Ashby 🔴
’s daughters most recent update⬇️⬇️ 11/1 STILL MISSING
11/1 UPDATE: Mom is still missing. What’s wild is the start of this post began with an “11”.. today marks 5 weeks since mom was last seen alive. Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to cover the enormity and helplessness of this situation. Not much of an update from today from search crews other than more searching was done and we’ve still come up empty. We continue to be eternally grateful to those on the ground.
Separately, my step-sister, Ansley, spoke to ABC11 today about the scam that cost Rod $40k. The story can be found at the below. We still don’t have any news on whether we’ll be able to get his money back, but because of this network, we’ve been able to shut the scammer’s website down which has been operational and taking advantage of vulnerable people for months. That’s a win in my book and I’m so grateful. The legitimate Colorado Auto Sales is also incredibly grateful as he’s been trying to get this guy shut down since August. Words are powerful and spreading this story has enacted change. Thank you.
Mom, don’t worry we’re here for Rod. We’re all leaning on each other and we’ll continue to protect each other, just as you would be doing if you were here. I love you.
10/30
10/29 UPDATE: Mom is still missing. The team on the ground this week being run by Carole Strickland and Jon Mitchell are walking the entire distance from the location of mom and Rod’s house to Lake Watauga along the river.
They have a wonderful K9 handler with three dogs and they’re dropping coordinates for any alert, hit, or debris pile that has yet to be searched. They’re sending pictures constantly throughout the day to identify bits and pieces in the piles to see if they came from the house. All possible areas of interest, no matter how small, are being built into a map to plan and resource the search appropriately. Resources are being provided from several locations including by contacts of Danny Wolf and by Diane Fontaine through the Cajun Navy.
These amazing people have told the family to take a break. They’re not stopping until mom is found and we can trust them to get the job done. With all of the doubt and scams out there, I can truly say we trust these people and we know their hearts. They’re in this for the long haul. Additionally, my Uncle Walt who has been on the ground since Day 1, is not stopping. He’s staying dialed in and spending every day he can up there organizing and searching while taking some much needed rest when he can.
I wanted to take a moment to highlight my mom in one of the best roles she has served in her lifetime and one she has been waiting to play for years: Grandma. Grandmama to my son.
For the most part, I’ve been able to compartmentalize the really hard emotions of losing my mom. But nothing will bring me to tears faster than thinking of my son growing up in a world without her. She has three grandchildren right now but so many more planned. Each one of her children, step-children, and children-in-law know that absolutely no one can replace mom as a grandma to their children. These beautiful babies of present and future have been dealt a great loss.
Mom was such a present and loving mother but as grandmama, she was so much more. I remember growing up, mom would say, “You’re not ready to be a mom but I’m ready to be a grandma.” She’s been spending the last two decades waiting to be a grandma and boy was she so over the moon excited when her first grandson blessed this Earth. That excitement only continued with each new grandchild.
I don’t know how I’m going to raise my kids without her, but I know she’ll shine through me.
Mom, your grandkids will know you. They may not remember you, but so many stories will be told that they will know your heart. I promise you, you will still be able to impact their lives for the better. I love you.
10/24 Kim’s daughters UPDATE: “Mom is still missing. The opening of the lake as Elk River was searched today with multiple, high qualified and trained water cadaver K9’s. We’ve been working with Dr. Briggs out of Western Carolina to source any dogs for our search as she is a leading expert in the field.
We’re continuing to narrow down where mom is not. But it doesn’t make it any easier with each passing day. Just praying we find her soon. I’ve included some pictures from some of our wonderful volunteers today. We continue to be so thankful for all of the help our family is given. We pray other families like us are also receiving much needed help as our story is not unique.
Mom, we’re doing our best I promise. ”
10/13/2024
Name: Kim Ashby
Age: 58
Missing Since: Nearly two weeks ago following Hurricane Helene
Location: Elk Park, NC (vacation home)
Occupation: 7th Grade Math Teacher, SanLee Middle School, Sanford, NC
Last Seen: In floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene. Kim, her husband, Rod Ashby, and their three dogs were swept away after their home collapsed under the force of the water. Witnesses saw Kim and Rod separated after hitting a tree. Rod survived, but Kim has been missing since.
Details:
Kim Ashby, described as caring, compassionate, and selfless, went with her husband and their three dogs to their vacation home to prepare for potential flooding ahead of the hurricane. Floodwaters rose rapidly, and the home collapsed after a bridge broke and collided with the structure. The couple put their three dogs on a mattress and tried to hold on as the water overtook their home. Witnesses saw the couple separated by the force of the water after hitting a large tree. Rod survived after hiking several miles to find help, but Kim has not been seen since.
Kim dedicated over 20 years to teaching and was just two years away from retirement. Her family is devastated, especially her daughter, Jessica Meidinger, who is pregnant and continues searching for her mother while raising awareness for others missing due to the storm.
The family fears that Kim may no longer be alive, but they are still hoping to recover her so they can begin the grieving process.
If you have any information on Kim Ashby’s whereabouts or have seen anything, please contact local authorities immediately. The family needs your help to bring Kim and closure to her loved ones.
Even in this difficult time, her family is working tirelessly to raise awareness for others affected by the storm, saying, “Even if we don’t have Mom, we’re doing what she would want—helping as many people as we can.”
Please share this post to help spread the word. The more eyes on Kim’s case, the better the chances of bringing her home.
