Pichler was last heard from at approximately 4:15 a.m. on January 5, 2006 in Bremerton, Washington, when he spoke to a friend on his cellular phone. He has never been heard from again. His silver 2005 Toyota Corolla was found on January 9, 2006, near the intersection of Wheaton Way and Sheridan Road in Bremerton, half a mile from Port Madison Narrows. Inside the vehicle, police found a note which contained two pages of poetry, including Pichler’s desire to be a “stronger brother” for his siblings. Pichler also wrote that he wanted his younger brother to have some of his belongings. Police theorized Pichler took his own life by jumping off a bridge into the Port Madison Narrows, but search dogs did not trace his scent to the bridge. All of Pichler's personal belongings were left behind when he vanished, with the exception of his wallet and car keys. His apartment was unlocked and the lights were left on, which is uncharacteristic of him.