Fairbank was last seen in late August or early September 2001. He lived in the 24800 block of southwest Boones Ferry Road in Wilsonville, Oregon at the time. He has never been heard from again. Not long after his disappearance, Fairbank's roommate, Daniel Ingram, also known as Daniel Proper, began selling his belongings, including his Chevrolet pickup truck, a tractor and antiques. Ingram stated Fairbank was traveling in Cuba. Although he does travel across the world, it's uncharacteristic of Fairbank to leave without warning. Ingram is considered a person of interest in his disappearance and was arrested on unrelated charges after he went missing.

Authorities stated a search of Fairbank and Ingram's residence revealed "signs of trauma." They believe he was a homicide victim and his remains are somewhere in the Portland, Oregon area. Fairbank was unemployed at the time of his disappearance and made money selling antiques, some of which he inherited from his father. He has no family in the local area. His case remains unsolved.