Clifton resided in Lakeland, Florida in 1983. On the day of his disappearance, he planned to meet friends in the Lake Hollingsworth area. He had just gotten out of the hospital and was looking forward to returning to school. His parents expected him to be home by 10:00 p.m., but he never arrived and never contacted him again. When his friends were questioned, they said he'd left Lake Hollingsworth in a car driven by an unknown individual. Clifton left behind his new glasses, new school clothes, and medication, taking only a bag, a bathing suit, a change of clothing and $20. The screen was found removed from his bedroom window the day after his disappearance. Clifton wears eyeglasses. His nickname is Clif.