Dye was last seen in her hometown of San Jose, California on July 30, 1979. At the time she, she was believed to have left of her own accord because of her distress about her parents' marital problems. One of Dye's friends reportedly saw her in December 1981, two and a half years after her disappearance, at a shopping mall 50 miles from San Jose. Dye told her friend she did not want to go home and did not want anyone to know where she was. She has never been heard from again.

For a time, officials believed Dye may be the homicide victim known as "Princess Doe." The unidentified female's remains were located in New Jersey in 1982. She was approximately 16 years old, which was around the same age as Dye. Comparisons between the unidentified teenager's teeth and Dye's dental records were inconclusive. Years later, Dye was conclusively ruled out as a match for Princess Doe. The young woman remains unidentified.

Above: Reconstructed image of Princess Doe