Community Unites to Search for Missing Lebanon Man Donald Leroy Simmons Jr.

A community search for missing Lebanon man Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. was organized on February 16 by the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance. Simmons, 50, disappeared nine months ago, last seen after leaving a local motel. Investigations reveal conflicting accounts of his last known activities and whereabouts. The ongoing search aims to provide closure for his family and friends.

A search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon resident missing for nine months, was organized on February 16 by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Search and Hope Alliance, led by Kimberly Smart from Portland. Though the organization primarily addresses indigenous communities, it remains open to assisting all individuals in need. Simmons, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was last known to be at a local motel until June 18, 2024. His last communication was a text to his sister, Daphne, stating he was going for a haircut.

Prior to his disappearance, Simmons reportedly won a significant sum of money at Bobo’s lottery games and is believed to have left with a woman. Following the incident, his van was discovered off Berlin Road, reportedly containing personal items, including his identification and cellphone, alongside a shovel and cleaning supplies. Initial investigations by Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, revealed conflicting accounts regarding the van’s possession, raising further concerns.

On the day of the community search, Smart informed approximately 14 volunteers about Donald’s history of prior disappearances, although none extended for this duration. The urgency heightened as family members expressed differing theories about his fate, with Cotter speculating that Simmons may have accidentally drowned while trying to treat poison oak. He noted that signs pointed toward foul play, despite their hopes to the contrary.

The search group, including Daphne’s friend Jennifer Nelson, sought to provide answers for Simmons’ family. Smart emphasized the challenges involved in the search, equating the task to finding a needle in a haystack. While this search concentrated on recovery, she also acknowledged the possibility that individuals sometimes choose to disappear.

At the conclusion of the day-long search, Smart reported that many items had been discovered, though forensic analyses were necessary for clarity due to the ongoing investigation. The search team aims to provide closure for Simmons’ loved ones, emphasizing his significance as a life that matters. Donald Simmons was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark graphic T-shirt, a baseball cap, and work boots; he is described as 5’10” tall and weighing 200 pounds. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact Det. Timothy Trahan or Det. Sergeant Jeremy Weber directly.

The search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. reflects the community’s commitment to finding missing individuals, with particular emphasis on indigenous cases. While various theories regarding his disappearance abound, the investigations continue seeking clarity. The MMIW Search and Hope Alliance exemplifies the significance of hope and support in achieving closure for families facing uncertainty regarding their loved ones. Community involvement remains crucial as they strive to bring Donald home.

Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com