Community Search Efforts Intensify for Missing Lebanon Man Donald Leroy Simmons Jr.
A search is underway for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., who went missing nine months ago. Kimberly Smart, leading the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance, organized volunteers to assist in the search. Simmons, who has connections to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was last known to have contacted his sister on June 20, 2024, after winning money at a lottery game. The investigation remains ongoing, with concerns about his well-being increasing as more time passes.
On February 16, friends, family, and concerned citizens assembled to search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man who has been missing for nine months. Organized by Kimberly Smart of Portland, the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance initiated a search after learning about Simmons’s disappearance earlier this year. Although their primary focus is on indigenous communities, Smart stated, “we don’t turn anyone away.”
A member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Donald, 50, was last known to be at a Lebanon motel until June 18, 2024. The last contact anyone had with him was a text to his sister, Daphne Simmons, on June 20, 2024, indicating he was heading out to get a haircut. Notably, prior to his disappearance, Donald won a substantial amount of money while playing the lottery at a local venue and is believed to have left with a woman.
Police later discovered Donald’s van abandoned off Berlin Road. Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, investigated and spoke to two men near the vehicle who claimed not to know about it. However, when police followed up, they reported that Donald had sold the vehicle to them. Items found inside the van included Donald’s belongings, identification, a cell phone, papers, a shovel, and cleaning supplies, leading to extensive searches in the area.
Smart informed the volunteers that this was not the first occurrence of Donald leaving without contact, but the length of his absence has raised significant concerns. “He has left previous to this before and then came back, but never for this long,” Smart remarked, indicating why family members are worried. Despite their theories regarding Donald’s fate, including the possibility of an accidental drowning, Daphne said, “we just don’t know.”
Cotter expressed his reservations about foul play, stating, “We don’t want to think that, but everything’s pointing in that direction.” Among the volunteers was Jennifer Nelson, a friend of Daphne’s, who expressed her distress over the lack of closure for Donald’s family.
Smart provided team members with search instructions and the use of flags to denote areas they had covered. Volunteers utilized search grids around the Santiam River at Riverside Park and Berlin Road, systematically combing through potential sites of interest. “These searches are really tedious,” Smart commented, clarifying that this specific effort aimed at recovering remains, though acknowledging that some individuals may choose to disappear intentionally.
After the day-long search, Smart reported finding “a lot,” but emphasized that much of the evidence will require forensic analysis. As this investigation remains active, precise details could not be disclosed. “We truly hope to bring a close to this case,” she remarked, underlining the goal of ensuring Donald Simmons Jr. receives a proper burial.
MMIW, a volunteer organization started last year by Smart, responded to the family’s request for assistance in locating Donald. “His family reached out to us for help, so that’s why we’re down here doing this,” she concluded. Descriptions of Donald indicate he was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark T-shirt with white graphics, a baseball cap, and work boots. Those with information on his whereabouts are encouraged to contact Det. Timothy Trahan or Det. Sergeant Jeremy Weber at their listed phone numbers.
The ongoing search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. highlights the engagement of community members and organizations committed to uncovering the truth behind his disappearance. With a strong focus on both the emotional and investigative aspects of the case, the efforts of the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance aim to provide answers to Donald’s family. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that appropriate closure and justice will be achieved.
Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com
