Reams was last seen in Jennings, Oklahoma on July 27, 2003. He had been staying with friends when he left their home at 7:00 a.m. They expected him to return, but he has never been heard from again. He did not take any money, credit cards or clothing when he left. Reams was reported missing by his mother on August 2. On November 3, 2003, five months after his disappearance, his 1997 Toyota 4-Runner was found locked and abandoned in a wooded area three miles east of Jennings. Personal belongings, including Reams's briefcase and CDs, were inside it, but there was no evidence of foul play. The vehicle is white with silver trim and has a broken antenna, a football-shaped University of Oklahoma plate on the front, and license plates numbered PVP 676.

At the time of his disappearance, Reams worked for Skinner Tank. He frequently traveled to other states, including Nebraska, Colorado and Wisconsin, as part of his work. He was in the process of a divorce at the time of his disappearance, and his family initially thought he just wanted to be alone for awhile as a result. It is uncharacteristic of Reams to be out of touch with his family or to abandon his young son. His disappearance remains unsolved.