Jerry Dale Smith, 35, went missing from Reedsport, Oregon after being last seen on December 24, 1986. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches, 165–175 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes and a tattoo of an unknown design on his left arm. He sometimes used the name Ronald Van Darvell.

Family accounts say Jerry visited around Christmas 1986 and mentioned plans with a friend to become over-the-road truck drivers. Some reports link him to the local drug scene and suggest he may have been seeking safety in Reedsport after allegedly stealing drugs or money. He was reportedly last seen with a husband and wife in Gardiner. Various theories have circulated, including an overdose, being buried along the Smith River or in a shallow grave, disposal at a local dump, or being shot with an arrow, but no definitive evidence has emerged.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office continues to list him as a missing person and the investigation remains open. If anyone knew Jerry, remembered seeing him in late December 1986, or has information about his whereabouts, please share what you know.