Kunkel was last seen in Medina, Ohio on May 18, 2010. He saw his brother that day and said he didn't feel well, and took a nap. He was gone by 4:00 p.m. He was supposed to meet with his mother and stepfather the next day so he could help move their boat, but he never showed up. He has never been heard from again. On May 22, Kunkel's silver Chevrolet pickup truck was found abandoned at a Subway in the 5100 block of Manchester Road in Akron, Ohio, just south of the Portage Lakes State Park entrance. It was locked there were no indications of foul play.

Prior to his disappearance, Kunkel kept in daily contact with his family; it's uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. He had a stump-grinding business and is a good handyman. His case remains unsolved.