The next day, his parents reported him missing. His new house showed signs of his sudden departure: unpacked suitcases, rearranged belongings, and an open garage door (which he always kept closed). His charcoal-gray 1987 Acura Legend was later found abandoned near the Mississippi River, with no sign of a struggle.

Cheek was a high-achieving, talkative person with advanced degrees. He was the chief financial officer of a real estate company about to go public, a deal that had him working incredibly long hours. This deal was delayed unexpectedly, leading to a stressful trip and sleepless nights before he returned to Memphis. The deal eventually went through, but he never received the huge financial benefits because he’d disappeared.

Police initially suspected suicide, but a thorough river search found nothing. His family didn’t believe he’d kill himself. Another idea is that the intense pressure of his job caused a mental breakdown, leading to amnesia. There were several reported sightings of him afterward, but none were confirmed.

Cheek’s disappearance remains a mystery, and his loved ones continue to search for him.