Michael went on mission trips to Africa as a young adult to help children receive schooling, healthcare, and learn about God's word. During these trips he experienced traumatic events that we couldn't process as adults. We believe this led to him relying on substance abuse to cope with what he experienced.
Michael’s Army
On August 5th, I heard the news. I thought, like many probably did, that he would turn up soon. He is just partying with friends, right? That assumption was so wrong.
Days went by without a trace of Michael Bryson. Family and friends came out to help with the ground search at Camp Hobo and surrounding areas but to no avail. Michael’s parents were devastated, his family was devastated, and his true friends were devastated. As Tina put it “This is a parent’s worst nightmare!”. Four months into this nightmare, there is still no trace of their beloved son, Michael.
On August 19th, family and friends held a Circle of Hope at the gazebo in Harrisburg, a place well known by locals as a place to gather to celebrate all kinds of things. While this was not a celebration, it was a significant event for all who knew and loved Michael and his family. The tears, the pain and the devastation were written all over the faces of those who came, especially those closest to Michael. But there was something else present that day. There was love, there was togetherness and there was hope. The community came together that day and turned the search for Michael Bryson into a worldwide story of hope, love and understanding. When we walked away from that night, there were tears but there was hope that something good was going to happen and Michael would be found. This event proved to be the launching point for what we now call “Michael’s Army” and ultimately this website.
SAR’s and Law Enforcement have done what they could. Thousands helped with the search, thousands are praying, and thousands have reached out but the pain and emptiness persist. So, what do we do now? How do we move forward? What information do we listen to? What information is true? Which person is really a witness? Which person is really a friend? Which lead is the right direction? Which person can help the most? Do we need the Sheriff, the detectives, the PIs or the help from a stranger? The questions are endless.
In the search for answers, what we have found is a world of drug and alcohol addiction and mental health problems. Does this change your commitment to this story? Does it matter that drugs were involved? Does learning that change your opinion of our need to find out what happened to Michael? One thing is clear, something happened to Michael that night. He did not just vanish into thin air. Michael doesn’t deserve this and his family doesn’t deserve to go through the agony of not knowing what happened to him.
As we move forward in our search for Michael, I can tell you this. Michael’s Army is relentless. His Army will not stop until the truth is found. We will ignore the speculations and theories being spread by those who do not have the family’s best interest at heart. We hope that you will join us in this mission. We are all in this together. We will stand with each other while we find the answers. The truth will come out and we will bring Michael home!
It’s taking me awhile to put into words what I really need and want to say. Today is a day set aside for thanks, with that being said, here we go.
I am so thankful for my relationship with God, and what he has shown me during my lifetime. He has not only given me a family who I am great full for; 5 siblings, at least 60+ first cousins, a mother and papa, close friends, in-laws, and a group of people I call friends, but he has given to me a beautiful wife. This marriage has been through a lot of peaks and valleys, but most of all it gave us 2 beautiful children. Krista is one of the most caring people I know, she gets that from her mother. She also has a strong conviction of right and wrong, I guess from me? Michael has taught us patience and how to laugh, not only out loud, but at ourselves. The world has become a better place because of these 3 people, who I am very great full for. As I sit here on the steps, soaking in all of Gods wonders, I am at peace, knowing that our son is at peace. No longer fighting his demons, but loving his creator, looking down on us, and reminding us how to love one another! May God bless each and every one of you, today and always! - Parrish
Today I am Thankful for my beautiful daughter Krista Marie her love and compassion and kindness shines as bright as the sun, she is always there for anyone no matter what. We are so very proud of her and love her so much! I am so Thankful for my husband who has been my rock for 31 years. Who has stood by my side, loved me on even the darkest days. He has searched for our son and won’t give up until he brings him home to me. I am thankful for God being in my life and guiding me and showing me he is in control and that I cannot handle things alone. I am Thankful for everyone who has helped us in anyway during these last 4 months trying to find our son. The love, support, the meals, the searchers, The donations, the texts and of course Michaels Army! I am Thankful for my wonderful caregivers who kept our Foster Home running when I could not mentally or physically be there! Most of all this year I am so Thankful for the 27 years I was blessed to have such a wonderful son Michael Anthony Bryson. Michael taught me and the rest of this world how to love, how to treat people, how to live in the moment! To always take time for others, no matter how busy you are, always take the time to be present! That kid can light up the world with his smile as all of you have witnessed. We all can learn and strive to be more like Michael. To Love more and live your life to the fullest. Today and the rest of the holidays coming up will be very difficult. I woke up today and I really didn’t want to get out of bed but I can feel Michael pushing me. He would say,”Come on mama get up! Let’s do this” So I’m going to give it my best today around people who love me and don’t care if I’m a crying mess today! Life is short, hug your kids! Take time today to be present! Play games, go for a walk. Sit down and listen. I never thought I was going to be here this Thanksgiving Day without my son at our table. I never thought anything like this could happen to our family, but it can and it does. Be thankful and Be present! God Bless all of you and have a wonderful day! - Tina
I am thankful for forgiveness and I am thankful for grace. I am thankful for love and I am thankful for hugs and kisses. I am thankful for my family, friends, coworkers, and mentors in my life. I am thankful for the ability to learn and grow everyday. I am thankful for my job. I am thankful for my hearing, vision, and the ability to smell, taste, and feel. I am thankful for being able to read and write. I am thankful for my relationship with God. I am thankful for food, my bed, and clothes. I am thankful. Not just today but everyday! I am thankful.
The most thing I’m thankful for this year is the ability to communicate with Michael and feel his presence even though he is no longer physically here on this earth. That I will be forever grateful for! - Krista
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and offer help to those effected by drug or alcohol addiction or mental health issues
50 days into the search for Michael Bryson help came from as stranger. Hearing the story on Rick Dancers webcast, Brett Surplus contacted the Bryson's. Brett soon after traveled from Idaho to Oregon to assist with the search. As a former Law Enforcement officer in the state of Idaho, and now Executive Producer of the TV show Reel Sportsman, Brett was able to look at the missing person case from a different perspective. Surplus has since returned home and continues to work this case, everyday closing in on bringing Michael home and justice to those involved. You never know where the next lead will come from but the help from this stranger gave us hope that we would bring Michael home.
Bretts company the Reel Sportsman isn't a show about one guy or a group of individuals or how big of animals they can get, Reel Sportsman is about Real People with Real Stories, ones who have overcome a tragedy or a life changing moment. We bring you there inspiring stories of over coming the odds and refusing to give up on there chances in the outdoors...They are Reel Sportsman. We are not Guides, nor do we accept any cash, product or service from any applicant to appear on our program. We are just here to bring your story to life! https://www.reelsportsmantv.com/
Timeline:
Monday, August 3rd:
Michael has a text exchange with his ex girlfriend saying he had a "weird feeling somethings gonna go down" and that he might run into someone he doesn't want to chill with at the birthday party. Tina has posted screenshots of these texts.
8:30pm Michael and Ben leave Eugene for Hobo campground.
Tuesday, August 4th:
There was a noise complaint and a forest ranger came out and warned them to turn the music down or their DJ equipment would be confiscated.
Michael tells Party goer 1 that his wallet went missing on one of the buses and has $600 in it.
11:30ish pm- Ben, goes to sleep. This is the last confirmed sighting of Michael.
Wednesday, August 5th
2 or 3am- The time Party Goer 1 says he went to bed.
4:00am- The time that party goer 3 and 4 say that Michael walked off the bus. They were the last 2 people to see Michael.
**People claimed to have looked for Michael up and down the road with flashlights and used a bullhorn to call out for him. None of the DJs at the event saw or heard anything of the sort.
8:00 or 9:00am- Party goer 1 wakes up to people looking for Michael. He was told that Party goer 2 and Party goer 3 took Party goer 4s car to Eugene to "look for help." Instead they took showers and picked a friend up, Party goer 5 (which was prearranged before Michael went missing) and headed back to camp.
9:56am Party goer 2 sends a text saying, ""Also we may or may not have spun Michael out and he is lost in the woods." It goes on to say, "We threw a renegade and came into town to refresh and no one has seen him. Lol." Tina has posted the screenshot of these texts too. I will add them in the comments.
12:00pm- Someone wakes Michaels friend up and tells him Michael hasn't been seen since 4am. When Michaels friend realizes that Party goer 2 and Party goer 3 didn't in fact go look for help, Ben leaves camp to get into cell service to make phone calls to look for Michael.
5:00pm- Tina, Michael's mom, receives a text from Natalie, Michael's ex girlfriend, asking if she had heard from Michael.
7:40pm- Cody, Anna's boyfriend, calls the twins. They are crying and tell him around 3:00am Michael said, "You guys don't want me here" and walked off the bus and that he didn't have his phone with him. Cody asked where Michael's phone was and they said they had it. However, when Anna and Cody arrived at the campground and ask the twins for Michael's phone, they say they didn't ever have it, that Ben had it. Ben didn't have it but it was found the next day in Ben's car. Unfortunately we know now that this timeline may be a distraction from the truth.
Six weeks have passed since Parrish and Tina Bryson’s son went missing from a campground in Oregon and they fear something terrible has happened to him
“He did not just disappear into thin air,” Michael’s father told Dateline. “We need to bring Michael home. Whatever the outcome is, a grieving family needs closure and people will rally around them to help get that closure.”
Michael Bryson, 27, of Eugene, Oregon, was last seen by his parents on Monday, August 3, 2020. They told Dateline that Michael stopped by their house in Harrisburg, Oregon. He told them he was riding up with a friend to a week-long birthday party/camping trip at Hobo Camp Campground near Dorena, Oregon.
“We know he was up there Monday and Tuesday and that the DJ at this party, that was actually a rave, invited him up on stage to do a set,” Parrish Bryson told Dateline. “But by the next morning, he was gone.”
According to Detective Richard Smith with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, it was 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday when Michael reportedly wandered away from a group of friends at the campground in an unknown direction. He added that Michael had left his camping gear behind, his phone was powered off and he hasn’t accessed his bank account since.
Michael’s parents told Dateline they weren’t alerted to their son’s disappearance until 5 p.m. that day. They immediately drove to the area where Lane County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue had already deployed search teams to search by land and by water.
For days, hundreds of volunteers showed up to scour miles of heavily-wooded wilderness in the area. They searched on foot, on horseback and with drones. But there was no trace of Michael.
Parrish Bryson told Dateline they never got a straight answer from the partygoers about Michael and added that he believes they know more than they are letting on.
“The stories given by some of the people at the party are inconsistent,” Parrish said. “And most of those people left the day Michael went missing, and continued to hold raves and parties.”
He added that while many people left the campgrounds, there were a few friends and several strangers who dedicated their time and energy to the search.
“We stayed at the campgrounds for 19 days looking for our son,” Parrish said. “And we’re truly grateful for those who stayed and helped.”
On the second day of Michael’s disappearance, a few of his friends from home his parents to offer $5,000 toward the reward. When Michael’s father mentioned this to a family friend, the friend responded, “If kids can do it, I can do it.”
“That’s how we have a $10,000 reward to offer for information,” Parrish said. “And that explains the heart of Michael.”
Michael’s parents both describe their son the same way.
“He has a big heart - and it’s always for other people,” Parrish said. He told Dateline that Michael had previously traveled twice to Africa on mission trips and came back with an urge to move there and continue to help others. To remember his time there, he got a tattoo of shaking hands with the words, “Stay strong, my brother.”
Parrish said his son had just been getting his life back together after hitting a rough spot with drugs. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Michael had been working at a local bar and grill. He told his parents he was interested in studying to become an electrician.
But for years, his passion was music. He was often invited to DJ sets at parties and raves across the state -- including where he was last seen at the Hobo Camp Campground.
“That’s the hard part… we were really seeing a passionate change. And now… this,” Parrish said. “And he would never just leave. Even in his toughest times, he would always contact us. The idea that he would just disappear is unheard of.”
Michael’s parents told Dateline that they want to believe their son is still alive, but after six weeks of searching and no answers, they fear the worst.
“We’ve done everything we could possibly do and now we’re just spinning our wheels,” Parrish said. “We feel like we’re beating our head against the wall. Our hope now is that someone will come forward with information.”
Michael’s family and friends turned to social media to help spread the word of his disappearance with the hashtags #BringMichaelBrysonHome #LetsFindMichaelBryson and #WeAreComingForYouMichael.
A Facebook group called “Lets Find Michael Bryson” already has more than 12,000 members who include family, friends, the community and people from around the world.
Detective Smith told Dateline that Michael’s disappearance is still an ongoing, active investigation and that they are doing everything they can to bring him home. They urge anyone with information to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
“We hope that someone will have the courage to come forward,” Parrish said. “It’s time to bring Michael home.”
Michael is described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds 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. Michael might also be wearing a brown, corduroy baseball cap. He has several tattoos on both legs, 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. The $10,000 reward gathered by his family is being offered for information that leads to Michael.
https://www.klcc.org/post/two-weeks-after-disappearance-eugene-man-still-missing
It’s been two weeks since a Eugene man disappeared from a campground outside Cottage Grove.
27-year-old Michael Bryson remains missing since he wandered away from friends around 4:30 am on Wednesday, August 5th.
Area where Michael Bryson was last seen in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020. The site is east of Cottage Grove/Dorena.
Credit GoogleMaps
Bryson is described as 6-ft. 2-in. tall, and weighing 180 lbs. He has short brown hair and hazel eyes.
When he disappeared from the Brice Creek Road area near Lund Park and Hobo Camp campgrounds, he was wearing a white t-shirt, tan shorts, and white crocs with multicolored splotches. He may also be wearing a brown corduroy baseball cap.
Authorities say Bryson left behind his camping equipment and gear, and his phone was also powered off for several days after his disappearance. Search dogs have been used in trying to find him, but nothing has turned up yet as to his whereabouts.
There is a $10,000 award for information leading to Bryson. A Facebook group has also been created to share information.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office says anyone with information on Michael Bryson should contact them immediately. (Dial 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case # 20-5286)
Tonight (8/19) at 7:30pm, a vigil is being held at the Harrisburg Gazebo for Dyson.
Copyright 2020, KLCC.
Amanda Popineau of Eugene started Nowhere to be Found at the end of September. As of Monday, over 5,000 listeners have downloaded it. Popineau said the goal of the podcast is to synthesize all the information into one place.
RELATED: EUGENE MAN REPORTED MISSING AFTER CAMPING TRIP
As part of the podcast, Popineau has interviewed Bryson's parents and people who were at Hobo Camp Campground the night he went missing. This creates a near firsthand account of what might have happened to Bryson.
"It's captivating to me," Popineau said. "I like a good mystery and that was captivating. But then getting to know the Brysons and everybody involved, it captivated me in a different way where I feel connected to them."
MORE: SEARCH EFFORTS RAMP UP FOR MISSING EUGENE MAN
Popineau doesn't know Bryson on a personal basis but she has a connection with his father, Parrish Bryson.
"So Parrish, Michael's dad, used to be my UPS driver at the optometry office I use to work for," Popineau said. "I would see him here and there a couple of times a week."
Parrish said he was hesitant at first about the podcast. But he said he likes how Popineau created a place where more information about his son's disappearance can be accessed and shared beyond Lane County.
"Her podcast has reached out to another audience," Bryson said. "It's made us ask different questions and it also shed light on other people who have been either at the party or may have been passersby."
WATCH: FAMILY HOLDS VIGIL FOR MISSING EUGENE MAN
The Lane County Sherriff's Office said they're investigating every lead. Parrish said they won't stop looking until his son is found.
"We've had some pretty good leads, we had a couple that turn up nothing," Bryson said. "There will be no stone left unturned until my son comes home."
Popineau said you can download Nowhere to be Found wherever you get your podcasts.
90 days ago today, I got the news one of my best friends had went missing the day before.
My life, along with thousands of others, just has not been the same since.
I think about you a lot. Just like Ezale, you surround me at work. I'm comforted by that for now. It also helps that the Grid is "Lets Find You" h.q. I get to see your folks & family, fairly often.
But its really cool seeing all the people who come in from all over to pick up t-shirts & stuff
I've gotten to meet some very, very cool people who care about you, without ever have knowing you.
I feel bad for them. Only knowing you through our memories, does you no justice my friend. God did they miss out...
The way you've touched people, it is just something I've never seen before. Its so unique. I mean, you try to describe it to someone, & you, you just... You just pause.......
There's no real words to describe it.... I've caught myself doing it & I've seen others do it. Just, pause.... Then realize its something bigger than us & we just swell with pride, to be a part of it...
You've brought people together my friend. No doubt about it.... You are one special human being. 
I still hope to hear the front door to the bar rattle open one day, ya know, make that noise it makes, turn to see whose walking in & be blessed by your Cheshire Cat, shit eating grin & hear a hearty, "What up baby"!?!,.....
I'm guessing, it'll be me walking through a door one day to greet you, the next time we meet.
#letsfindmichaelbryson
#thereisnofinishline
#wearecomingforyoumichael
#LFMB
From Tina:
August 3rd, 2020 8:30 PM Michael left from Eugene Oregon to attend a camping/ Rave/Renegade Birthday party up past Dorena lake at Hobo Campground. Michael and his friend got lost a few times heading up and almost went home! How I wish they would have.
Michael and his friend both DJ'd playing a set on Monday night. Raves in case many don’t know are set up with a stage, dome,lights,really loud music. They had bean bags and chairs,hammocks,blankets and some had their vehicles. There were two buses there. A shorter yellow school bus and a bigger one with a metal rack on top. I know this is long but I’m trying to paint a picture of how it was set up. There was a campfire, drinks, food, and a many things you find at a rave. Michael was there Monday and possibly Tuesday night. That is still unclear to us.
4 am on the 5th of August. A witness saw that Michael was in the big bus with a party goer and they were sitting around a table just talking. Michael said, “what you don’t want me here?” Then they claim he walked off the bus which was right by the road. No one saw which way he went. If he turned left or right? We know for sure that Michael was wearing black shorts, athletic type, rainbow crocs, very unclear if he had a shirt on or not. He also had a brown corduroy baseball type hat on.
5 pm August 5th, we filed a missing person report and headed to Hobo camp. When we arrived there were a lot of kids sitting smoking, eating, drinking and sleeping. No one was out actively looking for him. Search and rescue got there and this is when our nightmare begins. We have been told there was up to 100 people coming and going.
If anyone knows any of these people or has any information about Michael's disappearance please contact us.
Private investigator Marc Perkins at 1-916-201-6199
LCSO 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case # 20-5286.
Thank you so much. We will never give up, we will find you buddy! Love you all!
My Green Eyed Baby Boy January 5, 1993
when I First held you In that moment I knew
You were a mama’s boy Through and Through
Your coo’s and grins The tiny dimples in your chin
You never fussed You barely cried
I think you knew I was always at your side
From toddler to teens
I knew the challenge was onBut I never had to worry
With God your faith was strong
Your mission work in Africa
We were scared to let you go
But you were in God’s hands
He always told us so You always had big dreams
Of doing something big One day moving to Africa
While loving all those kids
We stood beside you through your trials
We knew you had lost your way
But God was there beside you
Each and everyday We cried we prayed we worried
You said, “I’ll be alright “ We had to let you go
And pray you’d win this fight The weight of the world
Was heavy on your mind You had so many worried
I’m sorry I was blind I thought I could protect you
But the evil had it’s way The day you went missing
All we could do was pray
As days went by And nothing was clear
The panic and darkness Turned into rage and fear
How could this have happened?
How could you be gone? We are lonely and afraid
What went so wrong?
After 3 long weeks of searching
We didn’t have a clue Leaving you on that mountain
Was the hardest thing to do
The house seems cold and lonely
Your pictures everywhere
Those bright green eyes and smiles
Life really isn’t fair We promise you we will
Do everything we can To bring you home our son
Our precious little man My green eyed boy
You will always be Forever my son
Made just for me
Love you and miss you so much michael ! Love always “mama”
One thing I can sit here & tell you all with a clear conscience, is that Parrish Bryson & Tina Magnuson Bryson are two of the most genuine, kind, loving, funny & caring people I have ever met.
I PERSONALLY watched them fret & worry over others emotional & physical well being, while their son was missing. I'm talking like day 3 at camp. Tina was mothering over everybody ( I gave her the "Mama T" nickname for a reason after all!) & Parrish was there to coordinate, talk to & pray with anyone who wanted or needed it!
In the pic below, that is Parrish consoling another young man at the circle of hope for THEY'RE MISSING SON! Still this guy takes time to help someone else grieve!!
Yeah.... Sounds like a really shady f'n dude to me... 
We are Michaels Army for a reason!!!!!!!!
Something special drew us all together!!
Its not the hate.
Its not the lies.
Its the love.
Plain & simple.....
Michaels love.
His families love,
& the love of his Army.
Thank you all for seeing through the bullshit.
The bashing & trashing stops. No warnings. I don't care who you are.... Poof.... Gone... Your a memory....
Also, if your being threatened, please, by all means, reach out to admin or the proper authorities.
I personally have seen zero evidence, other than petty name calling.
You can also block trouble makers on your end. Then you just don't see their posts.
#ThereIsNOFinishLine
#MichaelsArmy
#LetsFindMichaelBryson
#YouGotLeftOnReadOnPurpose
Photo credit : Cj Fitzgerald @ Fitz Photography.
