Comments like that are invaluable - be VERY careful what you and others say. Based on this, the person you speak of may have moved out of state but likely a neighboring or otherwise nearby/similar state. Very small pieces of information add up quickly.... I'll make it look like this person moved to the other side of the country
I've often thought about what it would take to fall off the radar completely, and how those who try are found. It can be done, but it certainly wouldn't be easy. The problem most people have is quite understandable - not wanting to sever ties with their previous lives. To truly disappear, you would quite literally have to instantly and with no regret become a different person. That's not something most people would ever be willing or able to do.