Nolan moved to New York from his family's home in Blacklion County Cavan, Ireland in 1993. He lived with his sister for eight months, then relocated to San Francisco, California, where he lived with roommates on 39th Avenue in the Sunset District. Nolan was last seen leaving his house on April 20, 1994. It has been established that Nolan cashed a $500 check at a Market Street bank in San Francisco on the day of his disappearance. He never returned to his residence and has not been heard from again. His resident alien card was left behind.

Nolan's Irish passport has never been recovered. He would have been required to present the document when cashing his check. At the time of his disappearance, he was feeling despondent because he had been unable to find a job. The majority of Nolan's relatives live in Ireland. His case is being handled by the San Francisco Police Department. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office in Texas is publicizing Nolan's disappearance at the request of his family.