Hello @PWhite2,
Thanks for updating the thread.
You can get the update notification by visiting Appearance > Themes and Plugins > Installed Plugins. However, as you are using quite an old version of Theme, you will have to update theme manually. I have shared the link in above reply. Please take a complete site backup and if possible test the update on a test server. Our theme update guide has all the necessary details and safety precautions that you should take before updating. Encourage you to take a close look at the theme and plugins update guide.
At this point of time I am not in the position to give you the details as in what could have happed that caused media files getting deleted. I suggest you to get in touch with hosting guys for some reason and also ask for log file. It may contain some details to narrow down to cause.
Thanks.