Ficery was last seen on June 15, 2005, while hiking alone near the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, California. He had gone on a trail that goes around the north end of the reservoir, then he changed his mind and headed up to the Pacific Crest Trail. Ficery has never been heard from again. His family became concerned when he did not return by June 19, when his wilderness permit expired. On June 21, they called the park service and a search was launched.

Searchers found Ficery's backpack in the park, near Tilltill Mountain just off the trail. The location is not on his planned route and was on "extremely rugged and hazardous" terrain. A bottle of water, a camera and a topographical map were missing from the backpack, and there was no sign of Ficery himself.

Ficery is an experienced hiker and backpacker. He is believed to have become lost or injured while hiking. His case remains unsolved.