Springer was last seen in Belmont, Maine on May 2, 2008. He was angry that day because his driver's license had been revoked due to his illness. He argued with his mother and threatened to leave. Springer's mother put his cereal and medication on the kitchen table and left for an appointment. When she returned, Springer was gone and his food and pills were still on the table. He is believed to have walked away from his residence in the 100 block of Halls Corner Road between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. He may have been seen walking in the vicinity of the 30 block of Halls Corner Road afterwards. He has never been heard from again. His mother didn't realize he was missing until that afternoon; she avoided contact with him all day because she thought they would have another argument.

Springer habitually walks very long distances of up to twenty or thirty miles and often doesn't tell anyone where he's going. He has an independent nature and resisted his family's attempts to curtail his activities. There were reported sightings of him in the local area in the days following his disappearance. He was employed as a truck driver for more than 35 years and has friends spread over a wide area as a result of his job. Springer's mother remained in the home they shared for several months after his disappearance, but she now lives with her daughter. Springer's case remains unsolved.