Alford was last seen on August 24, 2014, in Boise, Idaho. He was hitchhiking near the interstate, carrying a cardboard sign with “Arizona” written on one side and “Utah” on the other. He has not been heard from since. Alford did not own a vehicle and typically maintained regular contact with his family through the internet, particularly around the Christmas holidays. However, following his disappearance in August 2014, his relatives received no further communication from him. A significant development in the case occurred in July 2022, when firefighters battling the Dragon Fire in the Grand Canyon area of Arizona discovered Alford’s backpack. The bag contained his identification and personal belongings. Despite an extensive search covering approximately 370 acres, no further evidence of his whereabouts was found.