Holling visited various taverns on Chestnut Street in Virginia, Minnesota on the day of his disappearance; he was last seen in one of them. He has never been heard from again. Holling was a seasonal worker at a resort in Babbitt, Minnesota at the time of his disappearance. He collected unemployment benefits between November and March. He signed his last unemployment check on February 10, 2003 and was owed pay for the next month, but never collected it. He was supposed to begin work again on April 1, but never showed up. His parents say he was in financial trouble at the time of his disappearance.

Holling's employer went to his home after he could not contact him and realized Holling's phone was disconnected. He said there were no footprints in the snow outside the residence, and when he went inside it looked like no one had been there in weeks. Holling's eyeglasses, cash, and winter coats were left behind.

Holling's parents believe he was murdered. Investigators say there is no evidence to suggest foul play, though they admit it is a likely possibility. Holling's parents stated that he was involved with drugs and alcohol at the time of her disappearance. He is described as a sociable and talkative person and he enjoyed playing darts and pool and singing karaoke at the time of his disappearance. His case remains unsolved.