He Reportedly Wandered Away From His Friends Who Were Partying At An Oregon Campground In 2020 And Vanished
Michael Bryson of Eugene, Oregon, was getting his life back on track in 2020 following drug struggles. Prior to the pandemic, he worked at a local bar and grill and expressed interest in studying to be an electrician.
His passion, though, was music. Michael was frequently invited to DJ sets at raves and parties across his home state. He did the same at Hobo Camp Campground before he disappeared in August 2020 at 27-years-old.
“That’s the hard part… we were really seeing a passionate change. And now… this. And he would never just leave,” said Michael’s father, Parrish Bryson.
“Even in his toughest times, he would always contact us. The idea that he would just disappear is unheard of.”
It all began on August 3, 2020, when Michael visited his parents’ home in Harrisburg, Oregon, and claimed he was going on a week-long birthday party camping trip with a friend at Hobo Camp Campground, located near Dorena, Oregon.
“We know he was up there Monday and Tuesday and that the DJ at his party, which was actually a rave, invited him up on the stage to do a set. But by the next morning, he was gone,” Parrish recalled.
At 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, Michael reportedly wandered off at the campground, leaving his friend group and walking in an unknown direction. He left behind his camping gear, and his phone was turned off. His bank account has not been accessed since, either.
Michael’s parents, Parrish and Tina, didn’t learn their son had gone missing until 5:00 p.m. Upon receiving the news, they raced to the campground; meanwhile, Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue was already on the scene, with land and water searches underway.
Hundreds of volunteers showed up over the next few days, looking through miles of the wooded area. But despite foot, horseback, and drone searches, no signs of Michael were found.
Facebook – pictured above is Michael
It wasn’t until a few months later, in December, that some of Michael’s clothing was discovered. Nonetheless, his remains have never been recovered.
Six weeks after Michael vanished, his father stated that other partygoers had differing accounts of what happened.
“The stories given by some of the people at the party are inconsistent. And most of those people left the day Michael went missing and continued to hold raves and parties,” Parrish detailed.
However, some friends and strangers stayed to assist the search efforts alongside Michael’s parents, who remained at the campground for 19 days.
He is remembered by his loved ones as having a “big heart” and always being there for others. Michael had previously been on two mission trips to Africa, and when he returned, he was inspired to keep helping people.
A Facebook group entitled “Let’s Find Michael Bryson,” which now has over 25,000 members, was created to spread awareness of his case.
His parents launched the Michael Bryson Foundation as well, and two years after Michael disappeared, his friends and family hosted the first annual Michael Bryson 5K Shuffle at Harrisburg High School.
“We started the Michael Bryson Foundation after he went missing, and it’s mainly to bring awareness to missing people and also for mental health and drug addiction,” Parrish said.
“This 5K was actually spearheaded by our niece. It was her idea to put this on, and it’s turned out great.”
In 2022, Michael’s parents shared what they’d learned since their son went missing. Parrish reflected on how he’s come to accept everyone, especially after coming into contact with so many people throughout the search for his son. As for Tina, she has become more patient.
“You never think that it’s going to happen to your family, and it did,” she explained.
“Hug your loved ones, tell them how much you love them, and take time with your kids because one day, it could be gone.”
Still, Michael’s parents are not finished in their quest for answers.
“We always say ‘there is no finish line,’ because we’re not ever going to stop. Even once we find Michael, we’re going to continue looking for other people,” Parrish stated.
Michael was six feet tall, weighed about 180 pounds, and had short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing tan shorts, a white T-shirt, and white Crocs with rainbows.
Michael’s family previously offered a $10,000 reward for information that led to his discovery. Anyone with information related to his case is urged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 682-4150.
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