Thompson was last seen driving his 1989 Ford pickup truck in the Garberville, Redway, Myers Flat and possibly Rio Dell and Hydesville areas of Humboldt County, California on February 24, 2005. He was employed as a house painting contractor at the time of his disappearance. He had just completed a painting deal and was probably carrying as much as $2,000 in cash. He has never been heard from again. His live-in girlfriend reported him missing. Six days after his disappearance, Thompson's truck and baseball cap were found along Boy Scout Road in Myers Flat, California. An extensive search of the area turned up no sign of him.

Thompson's mother stated her son was involved with drugs at the time of his disappearance and she believes local individuals know his fate. Although there is no evidence of foul play in his case, authorities are treating it as a suspicious disappearance and possible homicide. Thompson's disappearance remains unsolved.