Community Efforts to Find Missing Lebanon Man Donald Simmons Jr.
Family, friends, and the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance organized a search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., missing for nine months. The investigation revealed his last communication on June 20, 2024, and initial findings included his van with personal items. Despite ongoing searches, his whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns among loved ones and the community.
On February 16, friends, family, and community members participated in a search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr., a Lebanon man missing for nine months. The search was organized by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Search and Hope Alliance, initiated by Kimberly Smart of Portland, who aims to support families in similar situations regardless of their backgrounds.
Donald Simmons, a 50-year-old member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, last communicated with his sister, Daphne Simmons, on June 20, 2024, shortly after he stayed at a local motel. He mentioned he was going for a haircut, and has not been heard from since. It was reported that the night prior to his disappearance, he won a substantial amount of money while playing lottery games and was seen leaving the establishment with a woman.
His van was later discovered off Berlin Road, where Daphne’s boyfriend, Nick Cotter, encountered two men who initially claimed to know nothing of the vehicle. However, police reports suggested that these men indicated Donald had sold the van to them. Inside the van, personal belongings, including identification, a cell phone, and cleaning supplies were found, but searches of the area yielded no further evidence of Simmons.
Smart indicated to the volunteers that this is not the first time Simmons has gone missing; however, his prolonged absence and lack of communication have raised concerns among family and friends. Thoughts have been expressed regarding the possible outcomes of his disappearance, including accidental injury or foul play, although Cotter expressed doubt about the latter, saying, “We don’t want to think that, but everything’s pointing in that direction.”
Jennifer Nelson, a friend of Daphne’s, joined the search effort for closure in light of the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ fate. Before the search, Smart briefed approximately 14 volunteers on techniques and search areas, stressing the diligence required in their efforts.
Following the search, which was aimed at potentially recovering remains, Smart noted that various items found would require forensic analysis for further understanding. Since it remains an active investigation, detailed findings could not be disclosed. “We truly hope to bring a close to this case and give Siletz tribal member Donald Simmons Jr. a proper burial,” Smart stated, emphasizing the importance of the search.
Individuals interested in assisting with the investigation are urged to contact Detective Timothy Trahan or Detective Sergeant Jeremy Weber using the provided phone numbers.
The search for Donald Leroy Simmons Jr. highlights the concerns surrounding missing persons cases, especially within Indigenous communities. Organized by MMIW, the efforts of volunteers reflect a strong commitment to finding answers and closure for the family. Although uncertainty remains about the circumstances of his disappearance, the community continues to seek information and support those affected. As the investigation proceeds, the hope is to provide Donald Simmons’ family with the clarity and closure they deserve, reaffirming that ‘his life mattered.’
Original Source: www.lebanonlocalnews.com
