Kentucky : Natasha Fugate Jones

Feb 19

The disappearance of a mother of two brought me to rural Kentucky this week. Hazard, Kentucky, is a city located in Perry County in the eastern part of the state. Tucked within the Appalachian Mountains, Hazard has a rich history closely tied to the coal mining industry that thrived in the region for much of the 20th century. The city's name is said to have originated from the hazards associated with the difficult terrain and challenging working conditions faced by coal miners. Over the years, Hazard has undergone economic transitions, diversifying its economy beyond coal. The city hosts the Hazard Community and Technical College, providing educational opportunities to the local community. And features outdoor recreational options, including Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, which attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Despite facing economic challenges, Hazard continues to be a resilient community with a unique cultural heritage shaped by its Appalachian roots.

As with many rural areas, you see that many relationships cross over the small communities so we will also be discussing the town of Fisty, Kentucky. Fisty is a smaller and more secluded community about 14 miles from Hazard. In fact, it is so small that it doesn’t have a wikipedia page or even it’s own website. You have to travel to Hazard for a local library and the only historical information I could find was that the post office was established in 1906 and the town was named after one of the early families to settle in the area “Fisty Sam” Combs.

This may go without saying, but this tiny Kentucky town did not have a local newspaper and the coverage of this case is slim.

There is little information about Natasha Fugate Jones before her disappearance. She was a devoted mother to two boys which is why I clinged to her story. Her grandmother said that she was funny, witty and a great person but Natasha battled addiction.

She had been attending inpatient treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Harlan, Kentucky just over 60 miles away. She left and went to her grandmother’s house on Singleton Branch in Fisty where her sons were living.

The morning of May 7, 2015, while her grandmother was at a doctor’s appointment, Natasha left her grandmother’s house. Her grandmother, Ola, wasn’t too concerned because it was not uncommon for Natasha to go with friends. Whether it was for a walk, to an appointment or just to hang out for the day.

When she hadn’t returned that evening, Ola asked the boys to start getting ready for bed and her oldest found a note put under his pillow. Natasha had left it saying she would be gone for 2 or 3 days, to not be sad and that she was going to look for the three of them a new place to live.

She never spent more than a few days away from her sons or without checking in. When she hadn’t returned by June 7, Ola became concerned and reported her missing.

Kentucky State Police opened an investigation and began searching. Search and rescue teams utilized dogs, helicopter searches, and on foot teams of friends and neighbors ensued.

Unfortunately no physical evidence was found. As law enforcement began making pleas for public assistance, leads started rolling in. A Kentucky State Police detective told a WHAS11 news reporter that the phone calls were coming in constantly with tips. Hundreds of them where brought in.

Law enforcement learned that a female friend had picked Natasha up that morning and according to NamUs she was dropped off at a reclaimed strip mine with a male acquaintance. I am choosing to not name this friend or the male acquaintance she was left with. The friend that had picked her up that morning has come forward and was interviewed by authorities after Natasha disappeared and shared the information she had.

According to the Charley Project, the male acquaintance said that Natasha ran into the woods and never returned. Within the first 6 weeks of her disappearance her family offered a $2,000 cash reward.

Even with the incentive of a reward, the leads grew few and far in between and Natasha’s case grew cold.

In 2017, renewed interest in Natasha’s disappearance when Texas Equusearch posted they would be conducting a search on January 21 & 22nd if the weather allowed. Several articles mentioned this search but none actually stated if the search occurred.

The reward was raised to $10,000 in May of 2017, when Ola stated she wasn’t giving up. She feels strongly that someone knows something and that Natasha wouldn’t abandon her children. Yes she had left without warning in the past but never for this long without any communication.

For several years, the Where’s Natasha Facebook page was the only active discussion about Natasha’s disappearance. On the six year anniversary, Ola was again interviewed by local media offering a reward yet again. This time it was for $15,000 and with a deadline, hoping to create a sense of urgency. Again Natasha’s family was left heartbroken and without answers.

As with many small towns, the rumor mill churned out many gruesome theories. Natasha’s oldest son unfortunately became a victim of the ugly side of social media. Many attacked his mother’s addiction as the reason for her disappearance. Other rumors stated Natasha had been murdered and night after night Natasha’s family dream of a day when they will know where she may be.

Now almost 8 years later, they are still seeking answers. If you have any information, had seen Natasha, heard any rumors you may think is nothing, I urge you to contact Kentucky State Police at 606.435.6069.

Sources:

True CrimeTrue Crime PodcastPodcastTrue Crime CommunityUnsolvedUnresolvedUnsolved MysteryCold CaseMissing PersonTrue Crime JunkieNatasha JonesKentuckyHazard KentuckyFisty KentuckyNatasha Fugate Jones

Navigating Advocacy Podcast

Whitney and Melissa, hosts of Navigating Advocacy, blend their true crime interests with a mission to spark justice through storytelling, inspiring action, and building a community of advocates.

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Kentucky : Natasha Fugate Jones

Louisiana : Nanette Krentel

Kansas : Alonzo Brooks