Reed was last seen near Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on August 13, 1987. His motorcycle, a black Honda 1100, was found after his disappearance at an unknown location. Reed is a local biker and a known drug user who was reportedly working for local drug dealers at the time of his disappearance. His associates include people who were involved in large-scale operations which included theft and the distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine.

It is thought that Reed may have been murdered as the result of his drug dealings, but his body has never been located and no one has been charged in his case. Several people suspected in his disappearance are dead, in prison, or have themselves disappeared. His case remains unsolved and was reopened in 2007 at the request of his brother. Although Reed has never been declared legally dead, police are investigating his disappearance as a homicide.

Both Oklahoma and Arkansas police are investigating Reed's case. Some reports state he disappeared on December 9, 1987.