McAvoy was last seen at his home in the vicinity of the 7700 block of Summitt in Kansas City, Missouri. He lived alone, but due to his neurological problems, his family kept in very close contact with him. McAvoy's father went to visit him on January 13, 1999 and found that a new washing machine, dryer and refrigerator had been delivered to the residence. McAvoy cooked dinner and dessert for his father. The next day, when his brother came to check on him, McAvoy had vanished. A meal was laid out and ready to eat, as if he had left unexpectedly and had not intended to be gone long. His family continued checking on his residence without result for a week before reporting him missing.

Foul play is suspected in McAvoy's disappearance. He left his pet dog and cats unattended, which his loved ones say is very uncharacteristic of him. He has never been heard from again.