Bratschi was last seen at workplace, Smurfit-Stone Container in the vicinity of the 2200 Block of Paper Mill Road in Florence, South Carolina, at approximately 7:10 a.m. on November 26, 2004. It is beleived that he returned to his residence in the vicinity of the 4100 block of Old Georgetown Road. He has never been heard from again. Bratschi may have been carrying a nine-millimeter handgun at the time of his disappearance. After his disappearance, his car, an Isuzu Rodeo, was found abandoned at Bluff Landing, off Old River Road in Pamplico, South Carolina.

In October 2004, a month prior to his disappearance, Bratschi was the victim of an assault. It is unknown whether this has anything to do with his disappearance. He was expected to join his family in Tennessee to celebrate Thanksgiving in November 2004, but never arrived. His loved ones stated it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. His bank accounts and credit cards have not been used since he went missing.

Bratschi's loved ones believe he was murdered, and investigators also believe he is probably deceased, but no one has been charged in his case and his remains have not been recovered. His case remains unsolved.