Community Rallies to Search for Missing Lebanon Man Donald Simmons Jr.
Friends and family have mobilized to search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man missing for nine months. Organized by Kimberly Smart, the search emphasizes the need for closure. Simmons was last seen in June 2024, and evidence found in his van has led to various theories regarding his disappearance. Authorities continue to seek information from the public.
On February 16, a group including friends, family, and local residents assembled to search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man who has been missing for nine months. Organized by Kimberly Smart from Portland through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Search and Hope Alliance, the initiative aims to uncover information regarding Simmons’ disappearance, initially noted earlier this year.
Simmons, aged 50 and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was last known to be at a Lebanon motel until June 18, 2024. He texted his sister, Daphne Simmons, on June 20, 2024, stating he was heading for a haircut, which marked the last known communication with him. It is reported that Simmons had won a substantial lottery sum the night before his disappearance and possibly left the venue with a woman.
Following his absence, authorities discovered his van off Berlin Road. Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, investigated and encountered two men who initially claimed ignorance of the vehicle. However, police later revealed these individuals asserted that Simmons had sold them the van. Inside, valuables including his identification, cell phone, personal documents, a shovel, and cleaning supplies were found, but the search for Simmons has not yielded further evidence.
Smart indicated that this is not the first time Simmons has disappeared for extended periods, but the prolonged communication blackout has raised significant concerns. Both Daphne and Cotter have conducted their own inquiries and share varying theories regarding his fate. Cotter speculated about a possible drowning incident linked to a search for relief from poison oak discomfort but acknowledged multiple inconsistencies in their findings surrounding Simmons’ disappearance.
Jennifer Nelson, a friend of Daphne’s, assisted in the search, expressing sorrow over the lack of closure regarding Simmons’ whereabouts. Prior to commencing the search, Smart informed volunteers about the targeted areas and provided guidance on marking searched locations. The volunteers subsequently scoured the terrain near the Santiam River and Berlin Road utilizing search grids.
The search was described by Smart as labor-intensive, likening it to “looking for the needle in a haystack.” She clarified their focus was to recover remains but highlighted that some individuals may choose to go missing intentionally. After the search concluded, Smart reported that although they found various items, many require forensic analysis, and specifics could not be shared due to the ongoing investigation.
Smart hopes to provide closure to the case, allowing the Siletz tribal community and Simmons’ family the means to reclaim and honor him appropriately. She noted that the MMIW organization, which she formed last year, is dedicated to assisting cases like Simmons’ after being approached by his family. “His life mattered,” Smart emphasized.
Simmons was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark-colored T-shirt with white graphics, a baseball cap, and work boots. He is described as 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds. Authorities request anyone with pertinent information to contact Det. Timothy Trahan at (541) 258-4318 or Det. Sergeant Jeremy Weber at (541) 258-4342.
In summary, Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. remains missing nine months after he was last heard from. A community search organized by Kimberly Smart has brought together family and friends in hopes of uncovering information related to his disappearance. While the investigation continues, the community strives for closure and answers regarding Simmons’ fate, emphasizing the importance of his life and wellbeing.
Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com
