Arey was last seen when his stepfather dropped him off at The Brewer Auditorium on Wilson Street in Brewer, Maine. At the time, he was set to begin a new job at the Sears Department Store in the Bangor Mall. Arey was not reported missing until June 2018. His family initially believed he had returned to New York, where he had previously attended fashion design school and had been saving money to move back. However, concerns arose when his grandmother became seriously ill, and the family was unable to reach Arey to inform him. This prompted them to report his disappearance. Tragically, his grandmother passed away in October of that year. Arey did not own or drive a vehicle. His family suspects foul play may have been involved in his disappearance. His case remains unsolved.