On 22 March 2002, Michael Jarvi left his home in Naselle, Washington in his red Ford Escort.  Michael drove to the Long Beach area and made contact with a counselor.  After that, Michael met a relative in Ilwaco and then drove to Warrenton, Oregon and met with another relative who works in that city.  Michael was supposed to meet with a cousin at Tongue Point that afternoon but never arrived.

On 22 March 2002, Lincoln County, Oregon dispatch received a suspicious complaint that a person in a red Ford Escort was at a residence.  The vehicle was parked in a garage and a subject attempted to enter the residence.  Law enforcement was called and upon their arrival, the person and vehicle had left the scene. The license plate that was obtained came back to Michael’s vehicle.

On 23 March 2002, at about 12:30 pm, Michael stopped at another relative's home in St. Johns, Oregon where he ate  and showered before leaving in his vehicle for an unknown destination.

On 23 March 2002, at about 1:00 pm, a family member reported Michael missing.

On 24 March 2002, the Sutherlin Police Department in Oregon found Michael’s red Ford Escort abandoned in an old trailer RV park that adjoined a County Park. Personal items were located near the vehicle.  Michael was not located.  The vehicle was picked up by Michael's family.