Gaines was last seen at Wild Bill's, a nightclub off Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, Georgia, at 1:30 a.m. on November 2, 2007. He was a regular patron of the club. He did not have his car or his wallet with him and he was trying to find a ride to his mother's home in Snellville, Georgia. Witnesses reported he appeared to be either intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and he may have gotten into an allegation with another patron at the club. He made several cellular phone calls to friends asking for a ride home, but none of them were able to assist him. The last time his phone was used was shortly before 2:00 a.m. Gaines never arrived home and has never been heard from again.

In June 2007, several months prior to his disappearance, Gaines was arrested after police found him drunk and passed out in his car. An open bottle of vodka was located in the vehicle, as well as false identification. Gaines was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, second-degree forgery and having an open container of alcohol. He had a court hearing on the matter scheduled for November 21, weeks after his disappearance, but did not show up. Gaines's family was aware of the charges against him and they do not believe the court case is related to his disappearance. He had a reputation as a partier before he went missing.

At the time of his disappearance, Gaines was a freshman at the Oconee campus of Gainesville College in Athens, Georgia. He is a graduate of Brookwood High School. He normally keeps in close contact with his family and it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. Although there is no evidence of foul play in Gaines's case, his loved ones fear for his safety. Several of his friends have not been cooperative with police in his case. His disappearance remains unsolved.