Braungardt was last seen leaving the Venture store where she was employed part-time as a clark on March 11, 1987 in Crystal City, Missouri. She finished her shift and was walking to the parking lot, where her family's yellow 1982 Ford Escort was parked. Braungardt never arrived home that evening and has not been seen again. The vehicle was located later in the parking lot, but there was no trace of Braungardt.

Braungardt was a senior at Festus High School at the time of her disappearance. She did not have a boyfriend. There have been no leads in her disappearance and her case remains unsolved.