William's mother, Alice Stubenrauch, told authorities that she last saw her son at approximately 4:00 p.m. on November 9, 1991 as he left their residence in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Witnesses saw William shortly afterwards walking to Chartiers Creek near the Ohio River with his fishing gear. His equipment was found later along the banks of the creek behind the Eat N' Park Restaurant, approximately 100 yards from a homeless persons' camp. William's gear was undisturbed and there were no signs of a struggle at the scene. The case is now being re-investigated. It is unlikely that William died in an accident since his remains have never been located despite extensive searches conducted in the area.