Stricklin was last seen in Kenner, Louisiana at 10:00 p.m. on February 28, 1998. She has never been heard from again. At 4:00 a.m. on March 1, Her white Ford Thunderbird was discovered abandoned on the Huey P. Long Bridge near U. S. Highway 90 in Louisiana. It was in working condition and her car keys and purse, with contents intact, were inside. There was no sign of Stricklin at the scene.

Stricklin had started a new job and purchased a new car shortly before she went missing. Foul play is not suspected in her case. Authorities believe she jumped off the bridge, but her family says her mental condition had improved prior to her disappearance and they hope she is alive.