Community volunteers organized by MMIW Search and Hope Alliance conducted a search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., who has been missing for nine months. Friends and family are actively investigating his disappearance, emphasizing the urgency and complexity of the situation. Despite the discovery of his belongings in a van, no concrete evidence has surfaced, prompting concerns about his fate and the possibility of foul play.
On February 16, friends, family, and community members assembled to search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man who has been missing for nine months. Organized by Kimberly Smart from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Search and Hope Alliance, the search aims to locate Simmons after she became aware of his case earlier this year. Smart emphasized their inclusive approach: “We primarily focus on indigenous communities, but we don’t turn anyone away.”
Simmons, who is 50 years old and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, was last known to be residing at a motel in Lebanon until June 18, 2024. He communicated with his sister, Daphne Simmons, on June 20, stating he was going to get a haircut. This exchange marks the last confirmation of his whereabouts. Reports indicate that he had won a significant sum of money at a local lottery the night before his disappearance.
His vehicle was discovered abandoned off Berlin Road. According to Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, upon investigating, he encountered two men near the van, who claimed to have no knowledge of it. However, these same men later apparently informed police that Simmons had sold the vehicle to them. In the van, items belonging to Simmons were found, including his identification, cell phone, personal papers, as well as a shovel and cleaning materials.
Despite police searches in the area surrounding the van, no further evidence regarding Simmons was uncovered. Smart explained to volunteers that this disappearance is unusual, noting, “He has left previous to this before and then came back, but never for this long and being out of touch with his family; so that’s why the red flag’s raised.”
Daphne and Cotter have formulated various theories regarding his fate but remain uncertain. Cotter speculated that Simmons might have been attempting to treat a poison oak rash, leading to an accidental drowning. He expressed his hesitance concerning foul play, stating, “We don’t want to think that, but everything’s pointing in that direction.” Jennifer Nelson, a friend of Daphne, participated in the search, emotional about the lack of closure for the family.
During the search, Smart instructed volunteers on effective searching techniques, emphasizing the challenges of such endeavors: “These searches are really tedious. It’s literally we’re looking for the needle in a haystack.” She clarified that this specific search was aimed at potentially recovering remains, highlighting that some individuals may choose to disappear completely. After a long day of searching, Smart noted substantial findings, though specifics were withheld due to ongoing investigations.
Smart expressed a deep commitment to finding Donald, stating, “We truly hope to bring a close to this case and give Siletz tribal member Donald Simmons Jr. a proper burial and bring him home to his family and friends.” MMIW, a volunteer organization established by Smart last year, mobilized to assist Simmons’ family following a request for help. “His life mattered,” Smart affirmed.
Donald Simmons was last seen in blue jeans, a dark-colored T-shirt with white graphics, a baseball cap, and work boots. He is described as being 5’10” tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact Det. Timothy Trahan at (541) 258-4318 or Det. Sergeant Jeremy Weber at (541) 258-4342.
The community’s effort to locate Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of unresolved disappearances. Organized by MMIW, the search aims not only to find Simmons but also to provide closure for his family. The ongoing investigation and the outpouring of support reflect the shared goal of ensuring that every life is valued and remembered. Authorities continue to seek information, emphasizing that assistance from the public is crucial in such cases.
Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com
