Ackernecht was last seen leaving her job at the Rite Aid pharmacy in Amsterdam, New York at 9:30 p.m. on September 30, 2008. She worked as a shift supervisor. At 1:53 a.m. the next day, her dark green 1998 Saturn Aura sedan with New York license plates was found in Frog Hollow, just off west Montgomery Street in Johnstown, New York. This was just three blocks from her home, but it wasn't on a route she normally traveled. The car had been set on fire and was still burning when it was found, and it was completely destroyed. Neighbors had called the police about shots fired in the area at midnight. There was no sign of Ackernecht at the scene and she has never been heard from again.

Ackernecht lived with her daughter, her husband and his parents when she disappeared. Her marriage was troubled when she disappeared, but her loved ones stated she would never have left without making arrangements for the care of her daughter. Her parents are dead, but she had a close relationship with her siblings. Ackernecht's husband isn't considered a suspect in her case. Her disappearance remains unsolved.

Johnstown police are investigating Ackernecht's disappearance.