Spurlock phoned his relatives from Hawaii on November 28, 1981 and asked to speak to his mother. He was apparently upset during the call. Spurlock's stepfather reprimanded him during the conversation and told Spurlock to talk to the U.S. Army chaplain if he was having personal problems. The call was terminated and Spurlock never spoke to his mother. His family has never heard from him again. Spurlock's captain contacted his mother on December 3 and informed her that her son had disappeared from his quarters and was considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL). He was last seen at 6:30am on December 2. He was carrying a camera at the time of his disappearance. Spurlock has freckles on his face and arms and he was described as being quiet and shy and introverted. His nickname is Bobby.