June 12, 2024 3:40 p.m.

Lynn Simmons, the subject of a multi-day search in the Sutherlin area has been safely reunited with his family.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday at approximately 9:20 a.m. dispatch received a report from a citizen that they observed the 68-year-old Simmons walking along Plat K Road in Sutherlin. O’Dell said searchers were in the area receiving assignments for a continued search effort at the time. Deputies responded and confirmed the male was in fact Simmons.

O’Dell said Simmons, who is legally blind, spoke with deputies and indicated he had become lost. He was found to be wet and thirsty, but uninjured. He was transported to his residence where he was reunited with family. EMS personnel evaluated Simmons who did not require medical transport.

O’Dell said DCSO would like to thank the community and residents who assisted in the search and were understanding of the efforts being conducted to locate him.

DCSO Search and Rescue were assisted by these entities:

*Oregon State Police – Aviation

*REACH Air Medical Services

*Douglas County SAR Fixed Wing Air Support

*Search and Rescue from the Jackson, Josephine, Coos and Lane County Sheriff’s offices

*Oregon State Search and Rescue Coordinator

*Sutherlin Police Department

*Fair Oaks Fire Department

*Sutherlin Water Control District

Simmons had been missing since he left his residence on Justa Lane Sunday night at approximately 9:00 p.m.