FOUND 10-YEARS LATER: The Case of Donnie Lee Erwin Solved!

For nearly a decade, Donnie Erwin's family and friends were left in despair, not knowing what happened to him. The breakthrough came 10 years after Donnie went missing on December 14, 2023, when his car was discovered submerged in a pond just 3.5 miles from his home.

Donnie, a resilient veteran from Camdenton, Missouri, went missing on December 29, 2013, after leaving his home to buy cigarettes.

While Donnie was not initially discovered with his car, the pond was drained and on December 24, 2023, Donnie’s remains were found, bringing a bittersweet end to the long search for Donnie's sister Yvonne and the rest of his family.

James Hinkle’s Discovery

Inspired by the efforts and methodology of AWP, James Hinkle from Echo Divers played a pivotal role in the final search for Donnie. James conducted his own search, ultimately leading to a breakthrough that changed the course of the investigation. On December 14, 2023, using a drone, James spotted a submerged car in a small pond.

This day highlighted the power of community involvement and underscored the profound impact of the AWP movement.

🎬.. Watch James' Discovery Here

This is the final video in our Docuseries documenting AWP's search efforts for Donnie Lee Erwin.

🎬.. AWP's Search Efforts for Donnie
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MISSING VETERAN: Donnie Lee Erwin (59) The Search Begins

MISSING at Lake of the Ozarks | The Search for Donnie Erwin

10-Year Search for Donnie Erwin is Over! (pt 3)

Missing 10-Years Underwater.. The Case of Donnie Erwin (pt4)

FINDING DONNIE: He Was Missing 10 Years Underwater (pt5)

** THIS VIDEO **
FOUND 10-YEARS LATER: The Case of Donnie Lee Erwin Solved!

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The Moment of Discovery

James Hinkle’s search led him to a secluded pond, where he identified a significant underwater anomaly. Using sonar imaging, he confirmed the presence of a vehicle submerged in the water. The characteristics of the vehicle matched those of Donnie’s 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Further inspection by the Mid-County Fire Department’s dive team confirmed the identity of the vehicle, providing the answers that Donnie’s family had been seeking for nearly a decade.

"Each discovery is a testament to our commitment and the support of our incredible community. Without their support, we'd not be able to help these families and spread awareness of the search efforts and resources needed" - Jared Leisek (Adventures With Purpose Founder)

The role of the community and the support of AWP’s followers were crucial in this investigation. The collaborative efforts, shared knowledge, and collective determination exemplified the impact that a united community can have on solving cold cases. James Hinkle’s discovery was a direct result of this collective spirit, showcasing the profound effect of the AWP movement.

Be sure to Support James Hinkle

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#Missing #MissingPerson #ColdCase

[exploringwithamission]

Yvonne touched my heart I’ll never forget her 💙🇦🇺🤿

[eleonoragarcia]

I have cried with this story. The fact that someone else found Donnie tells me that, indeed, you started a movement in which more and more people search for someone missing by giving answers to their loved ones. Jared, I admire you so much. Greetings from Mexico

[caitydid]

Yvonne touched me deeply in this. She is an incredible woman and I’m so glad you could bring her brother back to her. I’m so glad it was HER TURN to have her moment that she had seen so many others have. ❤️

[blindkimberly]

Make no mistake Jared. Donnie wouldn’t have been found if you hadn’t started this movement! I’m happy/sad for his family. The knowing is worth the pain. I’m proud to be a tiny part of AWP. You’ve always approached each case and each family with the utmost dignity and respect. You have taught so many the techniques they’re now using to help find lost loved ones. I’ll never forget that. We love you guys. Hi Dan! 🫶🏼😎🫶🏼 Be at peace sweet Donnie😔

[Emy]

These divers commit to help without getting paid, but they need to be supported for doing what they do. Many thanks Jared and team.

[yomghhh]

These men deserver more than they get for providing answers. You guys need medals for your work.

[patty]

So special that at the end you included another guy who found Yvonne’s Donnie. Goes to show your kindness and compassion for those you help, be it your find or someone else’s. God bless you and your entire team.

[merikayreynolds]

I was moved to tears. So happy Donnie was found. So glad for AWP and the movement they have started... and the stirring within my soul.

[wildchild]

What a beautiful tribute to Donnie at the end....Yvonne, prayers with you and your family..Donnie IS finally home.

[terridantzic]

This was such a touching video, Jarrod. I'm literally sitting on my sofa crying like a baby. I am extremely thrilled that Yvonne and Donnie's family now know where Donnie is. It has been a long 10 years for them. I'm thankful for all that you do and thankful for the gentleman who found his car. Keep up your labor of love! Wishing you safety and blessings.

[kisamorevivetta]

Jared I personally want 2 say u r very humble and kind your still helping families bring loved ones home . I lost my fiance back in Oct to suicide. I stopped watching 4 awhile due to that . But I'm back trying 2 catch up I still luv what u r doing regardless of what ppl have said about u on social media. I can tell u have a kind compassionate heart ♥ I luv u and ty 4 what u do .

[hauntsforhope]

Thank you Jared for never giving up! ❤

[frankwurth]

So glad your still working to help people, it's a thing that needs to be done. I know you've had a rough time, but thanks for not giving up. These stories you bring to light has done wonders to bring closure to many families.

[jamesmarshalla]

God bless you AWP for bringing so many lost souls home! We couldn’t have found any of those love ones without you Jared!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you 🥹😭.

[Melissa-oxob]

That was rough to watch.. I'm happy she finally got her brother back.. our country keeps failing our Veterans. It should never come to that..

[cr-ivel]

Thank you for answering the call to do this for the families.

[jimmiweiland]

Oh wow Im so happy they found him. Yvonne really pulled at my heart strings, what a fantastic sister he has!

[pagemeredith]

I glad somebody was able to find and bring him home to Yvonne. Her and her brother's story really touched my heart.

[cynthiaswain]

Everyone of your videos touch my heart, but honestly this one was the most profound. Almost personal. My heart aches and feels joy for the family. God loves all his children. The compassion all the various dive teams give families is amazing. Blessings to everyone.

[MsDawnnee]

Yvonne is such a lovely lady bless her heart. Such a shame you never found him Jared, but so pleased he has finally been found, and he can be laid to rest. Love and sympathy from me, Dawn, from over the pond xxx