OR MICHAEL BRYSON: Missing from Hobo Camp, Lane Co, OR - 5 Aug 2020 - Age 27

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DORENA, Ore. -- Search efforts have grown to find 27-year-old Michael Bryson who went missing early Wednesday morning.

Bryson was camping at the Hobo Camp Campground with friends last week when he wandered away from the site Wednesday morning and that was the last time he was seen.


The search is not isolated to just the campground and surrounding areas. Friends have deployed into cities all over western Oregon looking for any leads that could point them to where he might be.

His family said the longest they've ever gone without hearing from him is two days.

"It's very rare that five days in he would not have reached out to mom, dad, or sister," his uncle said.

The effort to find Bryson has grown beyond just those who knew him.

A facebook group with more than 2,000 members is dedicated to finding the young man.

The man's dad said Bryson doesn't know a stranger. He said his son was kind and friendly to everyone he met. He said he hopes that's the energy that brings him home.

A $10,000 reward is available for any information leading to his discovery, all which was donated to fuel efforts to find him.




MEDIA - MICHAEL BRYSON: Missing from Hobo Camp, Lane Co, OR since 5 Aug 2020 - Age 27
 
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While I'm thrilled that nationwide newscasters are picking up Michael's story, it's also surreal at the same time. We just want to find him! We want to find him so his mama knows what happened. We want to find him so his dad can stop feeling helpless. We want to find him so his sister can have some peace.

Let's find Michael Bryson!

I think some people know something for some reason aren't coming forward. Most likely fear for some reason.
 
I think some people know something for some reason aren't coming forward. Most likely fear for some reason.
I think so too. I think someone needs to be the hero and do the right thing. There is nothing loyal, mature or moral about hiding wrongdoing imho. And any friend who expects you to do so put you in that position to begin with and is not a true friend as most find out through their lifetimes, and they would abandon you in an instant too. There is a young man missing or dead here. It is no joke.
 
I have to wonder if maybe somebody saw something but they're not sure what they saw because they were on a lot of drugs? From what I've been hearing since this happened, these raves include people mixing drugs together to get a psychedelic experience.
 
I have to wonder if maybe somebody saw something but they're not sure what they saw because they were on a lot of drugs? From what I've been hearing since this happened, these raves include people mixing drugs together to get a psychedelic experience.

If a witness comes forward they're gonna be very easy for a defense attorney to tear down because of that. :sigh:
 

Michael Bryson Foundation is a place where drug addiction and mental health issues are met with compassion and understanding

It shall be the mission of the Michael Bryson Foundation to address the needs of any person served by providing assistance with issues caused by mental health and substance use disorders. Our mission is one of the abilities to provide education and other resources to the person served, their families and significant others.


Also, if you've missed the podcast relating to Michael's disappearance, it can be found here:

 
Podcast has several episodes. I'll try to do a brief recap if you can't listen. More later.

1. He Doesn't Know A Stranger
Just a backstory on Michael. His parents mention that yes, they know he did drugs sometimes, but that's not the entire issue here. And "drugs don't make you disappear."

2. A Parent's Worst Nightmare
More about Michael's backstory and history with drugs. They discuss how they found out he was missing. His mom got a message from his ex-girlfriend (Natalie) asking if she'd heard from Michael. - - The friend (Ben) that had gone with Michael camping went to sleep before Michael that night. Then apparently this "incident" took place around 4:00 am. Nobody woke up Ben until noon the next day. Ben then went into town and reached out to Michael's roommate, ex-girlfriend, etc. to see if maybe Michael had gotten a ride into town. Search and Rescue was already on site when his parents arrived up at the camp.
The next day, about 1/3 of the campers were packing up to leave. When originally the party was supposed to last several days.
No concrete information from anyone. Not the detective. Not the PI. Not the other people at the party. Nothing.
6 main kids gave the same story, almost verbatim. Red flag. Others have not spoken to detectives.

3. The Renegade
(Someone appears to have been watching tv during the interview. A LOT of background noise.)
From Donovan, who was at the party. There was a photo booth / photographer there. Unpaid. Those photos have somehow disappeared. Michael apparently told him his wallet with $600 went missing but he didn't seem too worried. Donovan woke up to a handful of people yelling his name and looking for him, but they didn't wake anyone else up. The twins went into town, "freshened up" at home, picked up a friend and went back to the camp, THEN someone went back into service to call. Donovan was witness to Michael drinking alcohol and using Ketamine. There were hallucinogens at the party but he is unsure if Michael used them. Other camps of transients in the area.
His opinion / thoughts are that Michael did not walk off on his own, he must have gotten into a vehicle.

4. Chasing Rabbit Holes
From Anna, a close friend of Michael. Found out he was missing from a social media conversation with a friend "Woods" who said he walked away from a camping trip. The twins were called, they were crying and very upset, but said Michael had just walked off.
She was involved in putting up flyers in the surrounding towns. A lot of potential sightings in Eugene. She was disappointed with the LE/SAR search effort.
Ben (who Michael drove up with) was a big part of the search, but other campers were not really involved in the search.
Campers kept insisting there was no acid there. But they believe there was. Rumor that some are known for "puddling" where acid is poured onto someone or into their mouth in doses of 15-30 doses instead of the normal 1-2.
Her opinion thoughts are that they gave Michael too much acid, and after he may have wandered off and someone else did something to him.

Also an interview with Michael's sister. She has felt from the first day that he was no longer with us.
 
Podcast has several episodes. I'll try to do a brief recap if you can't listen. More later.

1. He Doesn't Know A Stranger
Just a backstory on Michael. His parents mention that yes, they know he did drugs sometimes, but that's not the entire issue here. And "drugs don't make you disappear."

2. A Parent's Worst Nightmare
More about Michael's backstory and history with drugs. They discuss how they found out he was missing. His mom got a message from his ex-girlfriend (Natalie) asking if she'd heard from Michael. - - The friend (Ben) that had gone with Michael camping went to sleep before Michael that night. Then apparently this "incident" took place around 4:00 am. Nobody woke up Ben until noon the next day. Ben then went into town and reached out to Michael's roommate, ex-girlfriend, etc. to see if maybe Michael had gotten a ride into town. Search and Rescue was already on site when his parents arrived up at the camp.
The next day, about 1/3 of the campers were packing up to leave. When originally the party was supposed to last several days.
No concrete information from anyone. Not the detective. Not the PI. Not the other people at the party. Nothing.
6 main kids gave the same story, almost verbatim. Red flag. Others have not spoken to detectives.

3. The Renegade
(Someone appears to have been watching tv during the interview. A LOT of background noise.)
From Donovan, who was at the party. There was a photo booth / photographer there. Unpaid. Those photos have somehow disappeared. Michael apparently told him his wallet with $600 went missing but he didn't seem too worried. Donovan woke up to a handful of people yelling his name and looking for him, but they didn't wake anyone else up. The twins went into town, "freshened up" at home, picked up a friend and went back to the camp, THEN someone went back into service to call. Donovan was witness to Michael drinking alcohol and using Ketamine. There were hallucinogens at the party but he is unsure if Michael used them. Other camps of transients in the area.
His opinion / thoughts are that Michael did not walk off on his own, he must have gotten into a vehicle.

4. Chasing Rabbit Holes
From Anna, a close friend of Michael. Found out he was missing from a social media conversation with a friend "Woods" who said he walked away from a camping trip. The twins were called, they were crying and very upset, but said Michael had just walked off.
She was involved in putting up flyers in the surrounding towns. A lot of potential sightings in Eugene. She was disappointed with the LE/SAR search effort.
Ben (who Michael drove up with) was a big part of the search, but other campers were not really involved in the search.
Campers kept insisting there was no acid there. But they believe there was. Rumor that some are known for "puddling" where acid is poured onto someone or into their mouth in doses of 15-30 doses instead of the normal 1-2.
Her opinion thoughts are that they gave Michael too much acid, and after he may have wandered off and someone else did something to him.

Also an interview with Michael's sister. She has felt from the first day that he was no longer with us.
I have not had time to watch anything much lately at all so I really appreciate recaps in any case. The photo booth thing and photos disappearing is new to me and I don't recall the wallet thing either. Too many things just a bit too coincidental in this case for my taste.
 
5. How Do You Like Your Coffee
Long episode. Lots of information. Wow.
From Warren, who was at the party. And had a lot of fingers pointed at him.
He was originally under the impression it was going to be a "professional private party" with a caterer, etc. But it was not. They did have a "dome", a generator, a stage/table, large speakers. Aware of acid and cocaine being there. Then mentions ketamine. There was apparently another woman from a campground up the road who was harassing people Monday night (3rd?), was asked to leave several times. Apparently she got "beat up" by the birthday girl. The next morning, they were told by an officer/ranger(?) there was a noise complaint about 1.5 miles down the road. He was also upset by the trash and amount of vehicles and buses. Tuesday afternoon? there was a young kid that said he was going into town and asked if he wanted anything. He gave him $20 for cigarettes and a Coke. Apparently they didn't get back until 3am because they went to Eugene so he didn't get his stuff. He went to bed early (8 pm, with earplugs for part of the night) and didn't hear any drama. But when he woke up the next morning around 8 his axe was gone, and never found. (Axe and saw had also disappeared the previous night, likely to cut firewood, but he found it the next day.) Somebody asked if anyone has seen Michael, apparently with no worry. No searching other than someone saying they drove up the road, no megaphones/bullhorns.
He left that afternoon. (He said this was prearranged and he had to be back.) Apparently people told Eugene PD that Warren was a ketamine dealer. Also people said he got into an argument with Michael or something.
Donovan's mom (Donovan was interviewed in episode 3) was impersonating a PI.
His opinion is that Michael left the campground alive with someone. Rumors that he owed people up to $10k. - Maybe he went with the group to go to town?
 
5. How Do You Like Your Coffee
Long episode. Lots of information. Wow.
From Warren, who was at the party. And had a lot of fingers pointed at him.
He was originally under the impression it was going to be a "professional private party" with a caterer, etc. But it was not. They did have a "dome", a generator, a stage/table, large speakers. Aware of acid and cocaine being there. Then mentions ketamine. There was apparently another woman from a campground up the road who was harassing people Monday night (3rd?), was asked to leave several times. Apparently she got "beat up" by the birthday girl. The next morning, they were told by an officer/ranger(?) there was a noise complaint about 1.5 miles down the road. He was also upset by the trash and amount of vehicles and buses. Tuesday afternoon? there was a young kid that said he was going into town and asked if he wanted anything. He gave him $20 for cigarettes and a Coke. Apparently they didn't get back until 3am because they went to Eugene so he didn't get his stuff. He went to bed early (8 pm, with earplugs for part of the night) and didn't hear any drama. But when he woke up the next morning around 8 his axe was gone, and never found. (Axe and saw had also disappeared the previous night, likely to cut firewood, but he found it the next day.) Somebody asked if anyone has seen Michael, apparently with no worry. No searching other than someone saying they drove up the road, no megaphones/bullhorns.
He left that afternoon. (He said this was prearranged and he had to be back.) Apparently people told Eugene PD that Warren was a ketamine dealer. Also people said he got into an argument with Michael or something.
Donovan's mom (Donovan was interviewed in episode 3) was impersonating a PI.
His opinion is that Michael left the campground alive with someone. Rumors that he owed people up to $10k. - Maybe he went with the group to go to town?
Thank you so much for posting these thumbnails! I really really appreciate it.
 
6. Safe Haven
Another long one.

Interview with Private Investigator Mark Perkins. His daughter is Natalie, Michael's ex-girlfriend. There are still people he hasn't been able to get into contact with but he doesn't feel that these people are important to the case. Original version of what happened was very consistent / sounded rehearsed. The timeline is no clearer to him now than it was the first day. Nothing is a major contradiction but lots of minor inconsistencies (like did people search right away or think nothing of it).
The reason he went up with $600 was because he owed someone there that money. He believed he paid someone $400. Conflicting stories on whether he did or did not have his wallet. He was notorious for losing things.
DJ's claim Michael was up about 2:00. Other than them, nobody except the group on the bus saw him until he was "last seen" around 4:00-4:30.
His opinion / thoughts - He has no evidence to support any scenario. Hit by car / wandered away / run into wrong people / he just left / foul play with coverup. Leaving and staying away is the least likely, but everything else is still about equally possible.

Info from Jessie - This group of friends seems to have been hesitant in the past to call authorities, even in an emergency. A friend was lost on a previous outing, and one vehicle drove back into town to get someone else and return to search, and never called LE. Another time someone had a seizure and they "took a while" to decide to call an ambulance.

Natalie - ex-girlfriend and very close friend. Talks about her history with Michael and how she knew him as a person. She was the one he texted that he had a bad feeling about going up that weekend, and that's the last she heard from him. Around 4:30 on the 5th, she got a message from Jessie (who wasn't there) asking if she heard from Michael. "He went into psychosis, felt that no one wanted him there, and walked into the woods". Then Ben messaged her asking if she heard from Michael. That's when she reached out to Tina. When she first went out there she just had a feeling he wasn't there (same as Krista/sister). Details more of the search efforts and town efforts.
She talked to the twins early on. Things that didn't make sense and weren't consistent with what others were saying.
Michael had just started experimenting with psychedelics again.
Her opinion is that Michael was drugged, either intentionally OR unintentionally, and it was covered up and at least a few people know what happened.
 
7. Eight Days
Private Investigator Brett Surplus - Says the same thing about the rehearsed story.
His first day he found a car that was recently dumped in the woods, with a cut down a tree right there too. Thought they might have done that to hide something below it. Turned out to be nothing. Unemployment scam with some people up there. Other things that turned out to be nothing.
Asked Donovan (from episode 3) about "puddling". Donovan said he didn't need to talk about that, got an attitude, and said that wouldn't help find Michael. Seemed to be trying to be protective of a certain person. But nothing of substance.
He wants to focus more around 11:30 pm when people seem to "have to be somewhere" and people are leaving and "making a run to town" and etc. Then people come back around 4:00 am. He wants to focus between that time.

*** 8. Eight Days - Part 2 ***
Continuation with PI Brett Surplus - At one point he got a message basically saying "the who, what, and where". He set up a meeting with them.
We know a certain group showed up, changed the vibe of the whole camp which is the reason that many people decided to leave at that time. They were afraid of this group or someone in this group. Many people were quiet about this because they didn't want their name brought up and associated with this group.
There is 1 individual (or 2-3) that is responsible. He let this other group know that Michael was going to be there.
This has been directed to the main detective on the case.
He seems very confident that this is what happened, and that there is absolutely no reason for continued speculation on the Facebook group. It's just a matter of time.
We know who, we know time frame, we know what took place. I know you're scared but we need people at the camp to decide to tell the truth to wrap this up.

Turns out Donovan, after the interview above with Brett, came forward with a story about him being interrogated at gunpoint. Even though Brett has everything on video that was turned over to police. And they went out to dinner with the Bryson's after the interview. (Remember, Donovan's mom is the one who was impersonating a PI too...)
Asked about whether Michael could be alive? Based on what he knows about Michael from his family, there is no way and nothing to indicate that.
His final opinion - People you think are your friends might not be. This was a setup. "He" told this group/person that Michael would be there and Michael was harmed.
"Brace for impact because s*** is going to happen."
 
7. Eight Days
Private Investigator Brett Surplus - Says the same thing about the rehearsed story.
His first day he found a car that was recently dumped in the woods, with a cut down a tree right there too. Thought they might have done that to hide something below it. Turned out to be nothing. Unemployment scam with some people up there. Other things that turned out to be nothing.
Asked Donovan (from episode 3) about "puddling". Donovan said he didn't need to talk about that, got an attitude, and said that wouldn't help find Michael. Seemed to be trying to be protective of a certain person. But nothing of substance.
He wants to focus more around 11:30 pm when people seem to "have to be somewhere" and people are leaving and "making a run to town" and etc. Then people come back around 4:00 am. He wants to focus between that time.

*** 8. Eight Days - Part 2 ***
Continuation with PI Brett Surplus - At one point he got a message basically saying "the who, what, and where". He set up a meeting with them.
We know a certain group showed up, changed the vibe of the whole camp which is the reason that many people decided to leave at that time. They were afraid of this group or someone in this group. Many people were quiet about this because they didn't want their name brought up and associated with this group.
There is 1 individual (or 2-3) that is responsible. He let this other group know that Michael was going to be there.
This has been directed to the main detective on the case.
He seems very confident that this is what happened, and that there is absolutely no reason for continued speculation on the Facebook group. It's just a matter of time.
We know who, we know time frame, we know what took place. I know you're scared but we need people at the camp to decide to tell the truth to wrap this up.

Turns out Donovan, after the interview above with Brett, came forward with a story about him being interrogated at gunpoint. Even though Brett has everything on video that was turned over to police. And they went out to dinner with the Bryson's after the interview. (Remember, Donovan's mom is the one who was impersonating a PI too...)
Asked about whether Michael could be alive? Based on what he knows about Michael from his family, there is no way and nothing to indicate that.
His final opinion - People you think are your friends might not be. This was a setup. "He" told this group/person that Michael would be there and Michael was harmed.
"Brace for impact because s*** is going to happen."
This makes it sound like they do know and it is only a matter of time. I hope so. Sad though that it probably does not indicate a good outcome for Michael.
 
This makes it sound like they do know and it is only a matter of time. I hope so. Sad though that it probably does not indicate a good outcome for Michael.
Pretty sure the family knows that he's gone. Especially after the post that Tina made on Facebook either last night or this morning.

I just want him found. I want him found and then the community can surround the family in their grief. Right now it's grief coupled with a word that I can't even explain.
 
Pretty sure the family knows that he's gone. Especially after the post that Tina made on Facebook either last night or this morning.

I just want him found. I want him found and then the community can surround the family in their grief. Right now it's grief coupled with a word that I can't even explain.
I am sure it's living hell for them😞. Praying for him to be found and brought back home soon.🙏. Somebody knows.
 
Michael Bryson stopped by his parents house in Harrisburg, Oregon on August 3, 2020 before riding up with a friend to a week-long birthday party/camping trip at Hobo Camp Campground near Dorena, Oregon. The 27-year-old of Eugene, Oregon, had a passion for music and was often invited to DJ sets at parties and raves across the state -- including where he was last seen at the Hobo Camp Campground in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020. He reportedly wandered away from a group of friends who were partying at the campground and has not been seen since. His camping gear was left behind and he hasn’t accessed his bank account. A Facebook group called “Let’s Find Michael Bryson” already has more than 12,000 members who include family, friends, the community and people from around the world. Detective Richard Smith of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office told Dateline that Michael’s disappearance is still an ongoing, active investigation and that they are doing everything they can to bring him home. Michael is described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs, with short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, tan shorts, and white Crocs with rainbows on them. He might also be wearing a brown, corduroy baseball cap. He has several tattoos on both legs, his ribs, and his arms. Anyone who may have information about Michael’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case #20-5286. A $10,000 reward gathered by his family is being offered for information that leads to Michael.
 
Michael Bryson stopped by his parents house in Harrisburg, Oregon on August 3, 2020 before riding up with a friend to a week-long birthday party/camping trip at Hobo Camp Campground near Dorena, Oregon. The 27-year-old of Eugene, Oregon, had a passion for music and was often invited to DJ sets at parties and raves across the state -- including where he was last seen at the Hobo Camp Campground in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020. He reportedly wandered away from a group of friends who were partying at the campground and has not been seen since. His camping gear was left behind and he hasn’t accessed his bank account. A Facebook group called “Let’s Find Michael Bryson” already has more than 12,000 members who include family, friends, the community and people from around the world. Detective Richard Smith of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office told Dateline that Michael’s disappearance is still an ongoing, active investigation and that they are doing everything they can to bring him home. Michael is described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs, with short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, tan shorts, and white Crocs with rainbows on them. He might also be wearing a brown, corduroy baseball cap. He has several tattoos on both legs, his ribs, and his arms. Anyone who may have information about Michael’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case #20-5286. A $10,000 reward gathered by his family is being offered for information that leads to Michael.

Link didn't work.
 
Michael Bryson stopped by his parents house in Harrisburg, Oregon on August 3, 2020 before riding up with a friend to a week-long birthday party/camping trip at Hobo Camp Campground near Dorena, Oregon. The 27-year-old of Eugene, Oregon, had a passion for music and was often invited to DJ sets at parties and raves across the state -- including where he was last seen at the Hobo Camp Campground in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020. He reportedly wandered away from a group of friends who were partying at the campground and has not been seen since. His camping gear was left behind and he hasn’t accessed his bank account. A Facebook group called “Let’s Find Michael Bryson” already has more than 12,000 members who include family, friends, the community and people from around the world. Detective Richard Smith of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office told Dateline that Michael’s disappearance is still an ongoing, active investigation and that they are doing everything they can to bring him home. Michael is described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs, with short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, tan shorts, and white Crocs with rainbows on them. He might also be wearing a brown, corduroy baseball cap. He has several tattoos on both legs, his ribs, and his arms. Anyone who may have information about Michael’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case #20-5286. A $10,000 reward gathered by his family is being offered for information that leads to Michael.
He's also known as being super friendly, smiles often, and has lots of friends from all walks of life!
 

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