Cooper departed from his family's residence on Maple Boulevard in Monroe, Michigan during the morning hours of October 25, 1996 for school. He was seen outside the school building later that day, and one witness thought she saw him in a car. He didn't attend classes, though. He never returned home and has not been seen again. Cooper was not carrying his wallet, identification or any money with him at the time of his disappearance. He also never retrieved a paycheck from his after-school job.

Cooper's parents believe he ran away in 1996. He had become rebellious in the months prior to his disappearance and experimented with marijuana, and the night before he vanished he got into an argument with his parents because he'd drive the family car without permission. He didn't have a driver's license, but only a learner's permit. However, it is highly unusual for a runaway to never contact their family and friends again, as Cooper apparently did.

Cooper attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1996 and was president of the Luther League, the church youth group. His parents still live in Monroe, although not in the same house, and hope for resolution in his case.