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LINCOLNTON, N.C. - The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office regrets to inform the public that Taylor Hope Unell, 31, a young woman reported missing on January 29, 2024, has been found deceased in Virginia.

Ms. Unell was reported missing on January 29, 2024, at 9:44 p.m. by concerned family members when she failed to return home. Following the report, a detective was assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Utilizing resources available through Ms. Unell's phone carrier, the detective pursued the last known location of her mobile phone which was near I-77 in Virginia just past the North Carolina line. Subsequently, the Virginia State Police were contacted and mobilized to aid in the search efforts.

Tragically, on January 30, 2024, at 3:37 p.m., Virginia State Police located Ms. Taylor Unell deceased in her vehicle at a rest area in Virginia.

The investigation into the circumstances of Ms. Unell's passing is ongoing, and both the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police will collaborate extensively until all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.

Anyone with information relevant to this case is urged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050. the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County CrimeStoppers at 704-736-8909.

Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.

NOTE: Original story can be found by CLICKING HERE

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