Deleted photos when pointed to them

I had to use image files from a backup, when an external drive failed.  When I pointed LR CC to the first image that I wanted to edit so that it could find the rest of the files, it not only found them but proceded to delete the entire folder very very quickly as I watched in horror, unable to stop it and unable to believe that was what was happening. It literally found the file and then did a count down as it deleted the files. It still showed the name in the LR catalog but showed 0.  When I checked the drive the entire file was gone.  I was a bit shocked and could not believe that this was what had just happened so I chose a smaller folder that I would be less upset about and tried again.  The same thing happened.  I really do not want to start over from the beginning of time with a new LR catalog, losing work and organization I have done through it, but I am a bit afraid to redirect LR CC to any more foldres.

Any insight into why this would happen?