Kemp was last seen at his home in Mission Veijo, California at 1:00 p.m. on June 18, 2009. The next day he boarded the Catalina Express Ferry, which left Dana Point Harbor at 7:45 a.m., bound for Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island. He spoke to his wife on the phone just before he got on the boat. There is no record of Kemp disembarking at Avalon, however, and he has never been heard from again. Some of his belongings were found on the boat, including his wallet, identification, cash, a cellular phone and a backpack containing clothes and personal items.

Based on the theory that Kemp fell overboard, the Coast Guard conducted an extensive search of the ocean along the ferry's route. No sign of Kemp could be found, however. He left behind two grown sons. His disappearance is considered suspicious and remains unsolved.