Community Rallies to Search for Missing Lebanon Man Donald Simmons Jr.

A search team, organized by Kimberly Smart from the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance, is actively seeking Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man missing for nine months. Simmons was last seen in June 2024, shortly after winning money in a lottery. His disappearance raises concerns of potential foul play, prompting ongoing community efforts to locate him and provide closure for his family.

On February 16, a search team rallied together to locate Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man missing for nine months. This initiative was spearheaded by Kimberly Smart, who leads the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Search and Hope Alliance based in Portland. Despite their focus on indigenous communities, Smart stated, “We don’t turn anyone away.”

Donald Simmons, aged 50 and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was last reported to be at a motel in Lebanon until June 18, 2024. He communicated with his sister, Daphne, via text on June 20, indicating he was going for a haircut, after which he has not been heard from. Notably, he had won a substantial amount of money the night before at Bobo’s, allegedly leaving with a woman afterward.

Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of Simmons’ van parked off Berlin Road. Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, encountered two men near the vehicle, who initially claimed ignorance. However, police later found that the men had informed them that Simmons had sold the car to them. Inside the van, items such as Simmons’ identification, cellphone, and cleaning supplies were discovered, but extensive searches yielded no further evidence of his whereabouts.

Concerned for Donald’s well-being, Smart informed approximately 14 volunteers that he had previously left for short durations but had never been out of contact for this long. “That is why the red flag’s raised,” she remarked. Although Daphne and Cotter have speculated on various possibilities regarding his disappearance, they ultimately concluded, “we just don’t know.”

Cotter posited a theory that Simmons may have fallen into the river while seeking relief from poison oak. However, he expressed concern, stating, “everything’s pointing in that direction” regarding possible foul play. Participants in the search, including Jennifer Nelson, voiced their distress over the lack of closure surrounding Simmons’ case.

Prior to commencing the search, Smart instructed the team on search areas and the use of flags to mark locations that had been examined. Employing grids along the Santiam River and Berlin Road, volunteers scoured the fields near the location of the van, an effort described by Smart as “looking for the needle in a haystack.” She indicated that this search was aimed at recovering remains but recognized that some individuals may choose to vanish.

After a full day of searching, Smart disclosed that although they uncovered a significant amount, substantial forensic analysis would be required before she could share specific findings, as the investigation remains ongoing. She emphasized the goal of providing closure and a proper burial for Donald Simmons Jr.

Since its establishment last year, the MMIW organization continues to advocate for missing persons. Smart noted the support of Simmons’ family, stating, “His life mattered.” Donald Simmons was described as wearing blue jeans, a dark T-shirt with white graphics, a baseball cap, and work boots at the time of his disappearance. Contact information was provided for anyone with relevant information: Det. Timothy Trahan at (541) 258-4318 or Det. Sergeant Jeremy Weber at (541) 258-4342.

The ongoing search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. underscores the community’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind his disappearance. Conducted by the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance, volunteers are determined to provide closure for his family. Despite the ambiguity surrounding his case, the search continues as community members gather to ensure that Simmons is remembered and to bring him home. This tragic event highlights the importance of collaboration and awareness in addressing missing persons cases, particularly within indigenous communities.

Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com