Friends and family thought they knew almost everything about her. Then, Antoinette Forbes disappeared

Friends and family thought they knew Antoinette Forbes

Sandego.net – Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788.

Friends and family thought they knew Antoinette Forbes: a devoted mother, a successful communications executive and a loyal friend whose life in Washington, DC, was built over decades. Then, on Labor Day, Forbes and her 10-year-old son appeared to be missing from her home.

Elizabeth Northrup received a late-night call asking whether Antoinette was with her. When she said no, she learned that police were at Forbes’ house. Northrup quickly drove across Washington, DC, to Nebraska Avenue, where police cruisers were flashing and neighbors had gathered outside.

Inside the home, Forbes’ wallet, phones, laptop and dog, Max, were still there. Her car remained in the driveway. But Forbes was gone. Her son was later confirmed safe, while those closest to Forbes faced the alarming question of what had happened to her.

A life rooted in Washington, DC

Friends and family thought they understood Forbes’ path long before her disappearance. Her sister, Aileen Forbes, said the sisters were raised by a mother who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines and became a doctor. Antoinette Forbes, she said, combined academic ability with curiosity and compassion.

After earning degrees in English literature and biochemistry from Cornell University, Forbes moved to Washington, DC, during the 1990s. Drawn by the optimism surrounding the Clinton administration, she began working at the public relations firm Porter Novelli.

There, she met women who would become her chosen family. The friends shared the uncertainties of early adulthood, workplace milestones and financial struggles. They also made room for celebrations, including birthday dinners at restaurants they could barely afford.

“We would save up to go to really nice places and spend way too much,” Holly Wetzel recalled.

Northrup added that it was money they did not have. The friends remembered Forbes packing leftovers and “road bread” to take home, a detail that reflected the humor and warmth they associated with her.

Career success and lasting friendships

In a city known for people coming and going, Forbes’ friendships endured. The group took trips to Europe, tried golf lessons after work and marked major changes together, from marriages and homes to children.

Forbes built a career in executive communications by combining her interest in science with professional expertise. Her circle later grew to include Rachel Clark, a colleague and friend who described Forbes as someone who organized meal trains for sick coworkers and kept a crib in case Clark might one day need it.

Clark also said Forbes supported her through the adoption process. In 2021, Forbes encouraged Clark not to abandon her hope of becoming a mother. Clark said she received the call that led to her daughter’s adoption that same weekend.

Searching for the person behind the disappearance

Friends and family thought they knew Forbes as someone who cared deeply for others. Yet they also understood that, despite her professional achievements, she wanted a family of her own. Aileen Forbes said her sister believed a career alone was not enough.

Eventually, Forbes met Russell Ashford. People who knew him often described him as charming. Wetzel recalled meeting him for drinks in Georgetown and said she initially saw no warning signs, believing he and Forbes seemed happy together.

For Northrup and the others gathered outside Forbes’ home, the immediate concern remained simple and urgent: where was Antoinette Forbes, and what had happened in the hours before she disappeared?

Washington, DC, FAQ

What should someone do if they are concerned about domestic violence in Washington, DC?

For immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support and safety planning, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.

What information can help when reporting someone missing?

Share the person’s last known location, recent contact, vehicle details, belongings left behind and any information that may help police assess urgency. If there is an immediate safety concern, contact emergency services right away.