The Valentine’s Day Vanishing – Asha Degree
The Quiet Asha
Asha Degree, a 9-year-old girl from Shelby, North Carolina, disappeared on Valentine’s Day in 2000. Known for her shy demeanor and love for basketball, Asha left her home in the early hours, never to be seen again. Her parents, who were shocked and heartbroken, could not understand why she would leave home. Her disappearance led to a massive search effort and media coverage that captured the nation’s attention, but no solid leads emerged immediately.
Eerie Clues
Asha’s backpack was found 18 months later in a construction site along Highway 18, miles away from her home. This discovery led to numerous theories, including potential abduction. Inside the backpack were several of Asha’s personal items, including a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “McElligot’s Pool.” Although extensive searches and media coverage have been conducted, Asha’s disappearance remains a mystery. The case persists as a source of pain and fascination, with new leads sometimes emerging but never bringing resolution.
