I can't find Ri'Saad amongst his Khajiit caravan any more. The other 3 cats are still there, except him. It happened a few days ago and I was like "fair enough, he'll probably be back next day". After hours of gameplay and after many in-game days, he still hasn't reappeared, and all I see are his groupees in the camp.

I didn't see him get killed, and I heard that the only time NPCs get killed is if you're there to witness it happen, but I'm praying that he's not dead. So what could've possibly happened?

It's not really a big deal that he's gone, but it's just nice to have a merchant that you're able to sell stuff to out on the road.

Edit: I'm on console, so it can't be because of mods.

NPC's aren't supposed to get killed on their travels unless you are there to see it, as you said. This probably means you have to share a cell with them and that's a big enough area that you might not have actually noticed.

He probably got eaten by a bear or something then. oh well, good for the creature who just had a big furry lunch...

Update: I just found Ri'Saad. His whole caravan decided to join the Khajiit caravan that travels between Dawnstar and Winterhold. Now, they're just one massive travelling caravan rather than 2 smaller ones.

It explains why i don't see him on the whiterun to markarth route anymore.

That is really cool. That is classic great Bethesda.

This one is relieved that you found honourable Ri'Saad!

I had a similar thing happen, but with the caravan run by the female Khajiit. It was near Windhelm. They all got eaten by sabre cats. I walked around a hill and there they all were. Everyone was dead including the cats. There were Windhelm guards there so they must have kiled the cats. svcked as my character really likes moonsugar. She is addicted to Elsweyr Fondue.

Yeah, the caravans have started acting quite erratically recently for me too. Usually the others stand around in the camp's place, but the leader is alone somewhere on the road.