Reese said he panicked when he heard the news. The van was his home and held many of his possessions, including camping equipment and journals documenting his travels across the continental United States.

He filed a police report, but the vehicle has not been located, Reese told the Post-Dispatch later Wednesday.

He said he's invested so much into making the van a home that the insurance payment likely won't cover a fraction its value to him.

"It's my world, basically," he said. "I'm losing so many memories."

Reese said he opted to live a nomadic life in the van to get the most out of his life and start fresh after years of depression.

"I wanted to know that I actually got out and lived my life," he said.

Soon after Reese heard the news that it was stolen, he posted a plea on social media asking people to help him find the vehicle.

Reese said the white GMC van has a licence plate reading SESH, solar panels on the roof and an "itsTravels" bumper sticker on the back.

For now, Reese says he's trying to stay positive. He's staying with family in Arnold and, even without the van, still has the company of his faithful husky, Travels.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editor, Mandy St. Amand. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.