The quiet anticipation of a Valentine’s Day reunion turned into a parent’s worst nightmare for Rob McAlister when his wife, Leigh McAlister, failed to return home from a weekend church conference in Atlanta. The 37-year-old mother from Lexington, South Carolina—a devoted wife, loving parent to their four-year-old son, and active member of her faith community—had left on February 13, 2026, excited for spiritual renewal and connection. She planned to drive back the next day, February 14, to spend the holiday with her family. Instead, her disappearance triggered a frantic multi-state search that gripped communities across the Southeast, only to end in a bewildering twist: Leigh was found alive but hospitalized in Atlanta, roughly 200 miles from home, with her SUV abandoned and personal belongings left behind. As details emerge, the story raises more questions than answers, leaving loved ones and the public desperate for clarity on what happened during those missing days.

Leigh McAlister was no stranger to faith-driven travel. A committed Christian, she often attended conferences to deepen her spiritual life and connect with like-minded believers. This particular event, held in Midtown Atlanta, drew participants from across the region. Leigh departed Lexington on Thursday, February 13, kissing her husband Rob goodbye and promising to check in. Rob last heard from her that evening—likely a quick text or call confirming she had arrived safely. The plan was straightforward: enjoy the conference, then head home on Friday to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family. Their four-year-old son, full of innocent excitement for the holiday, waited eagerly for Mommy’s return with hugs and perhaps homemade cards.

When Friday came and went without word, concern escalated. Leigh was due back by evening, but her phone went silent. Rob reported her missing on February 14, Valentine’s Day itself—a cruel irony that amplified the family’s anguish. The Cobb County Police Department in Georgia quickly took the lead, issuing a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for the missing woman. Leigh’s description circulated widely: 37 years old, likely dressed modestly for a church event, though specific clothing details were not publicly released. Friends and family shared flyers on social media, pleading for tips. “It’s not like her,” Rob told reporters, his voice heavy with worry. He emphasized the impact on their young son: “He keeps asking where Mommy is.” The child’s confusion added heartbreaking layers to an already distressing situation.

The breakthrough—or partial one—came when Leigh’s SUV was discovered abandoned near The Battery, the entertainment district surrounding Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The vehicle sat less than 10 miles from the last confirmed sighting: security footage captured Leigh at a Publix supermarket in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood around 3 p.m. on February 14. Her phone, wallet, and other personal effects remained inside the car—items she would never voluntarily leave behind, according to Rob. The discovery deepened the mystery: How did she leave the vehicle? Why abandon her essentials in a bustling area? Was foul play involved, or had something medical or psychological prompted her to wander off? The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit launched a full investigation, examining surveillance footage, canvassing the area, and following leads. No arrests were made, and authorities kept details close to protect the case.

Then, on Tuesday, February 17—three days after she vanished—hope flickered back to life. Rob posted an emotional update on social media: Leigh had been located alive at a local Atlanta hospital. “FOUND. THANK YOU!! Your prayers, shares and tips worked! Authorities located Leigh alive in Atlanta overnight,” a family friend or representative shared in a related post. “We have no further details at this time. Continued prayers for her and our family are appreciated.” The announcement brought tears of relief to followers who had shared the missing-person alerts far and wide. Leigh was approximately 200 miles from Lexington—still in Atlanta, but in medical care rather than danger on the streets. Police canceled the BOLO, confirming she was safe, though the circumstances of her hospitalization remained shrouded.

The family’s joy was tempered by uncertainty. Rob told local outlets like 11Alive that Atlanta police had found her at the hospital, but no specifics on her condition, how she arrived there, or what led to her admission were released. Questions swirled: Had she suffered a medical emergency—perhaps a blackout, disorientation, or episode that caused her to leave her car? Was there trauma or an altercation? Mental health concerns, though not confirmed, were speculated given the sudden abandonment of belongings. Leigh had never vanished before; her life was stable, faith-centered, and family-focused. The contrast between her ordinary routine and this extraordinary disappearance fueled public fascination and concern.

In Lexington, the tight-knit community rallied. Neighbors organized prayer chains, church groups lit candles, and friends coordinated meal trains for Rob and their son. The four-year-old’s innocent questions—”Where’s Mommy?”—echoed through family conversations, underscoring the emotional toll. Social media exploded with support: hashtags like #FindLeighMcAlister trended locally, with thousands sharing flyers and offering thoughts and prayers. Strangers across state lines joined the effort, moved by the image of a young mother separated from her child over a holiday meant for love.

Leigh’s profile painted a picture of quiet strength. As a wife and mother, she balanced family life with community involvement. Her church attendance wasn’t casual; conferences like this one nourished her spiritually, providing renewal amid daily responsibilities. Friends described her as warm, reliable, and deeply caring—qualities that made her disappearance all the more alarming. “She’s the type who always checks in,” one acquaintance said. The abandoned SUV, with phone and wallet intact, suggested no intent to flee permanently. Whatever happened after that Publix sighting had been involuntary or disorienting.

As of February 20, 2026, the investigation continues. Cobb County police have not released further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Leigh remains in the hospital, her exact condition private to protect her privacy and recovery. Rob has asked for continued prayers rather than speculation, focusing on reunion and healing. The family has expressed profound gratitude to law enforcement, the community, and everyone who shared alerts. “Your prayers worked,” the update reiterated, a testament to collective faith and action.

This case highlights vulnerabilities even in routine travel. A simple conference trip across state lines turned into days of anguish, raising awareness about personal safety, emergency protocols, and the power of community response. For families everywhere, Leigh’s story serves as a stark reminder: one missed check-in can spiral into crisis. Yet it also offers hope—missing persons cases that end in safe recovery, even with unanswered questions, affirm that persistence and prayer can bring loved ones home.

In Lexington, preparations are underway for Leigh’s return. The four-year-old waits with open arms, perhaps clutching a Valentine’s card never delivered. Rob stands ready to embrace his wife, grateful beyond words. The mystery of those lost days lingers, but the miracle of her being found alive overshadows it for now. As Leigh heals—physically, emotionally, spiritually—her family and supporters hold tight to faith, trusting that answers will come in time. For today, the focus is simple: a mother is alive, a child will soon have his mommy back, and love, in all its forms, endures.