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
Visit his YouTube channel ➦ https://www.youtube.com/@echo-divers
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🎯 Link to Dan’s YouTube Channel ➦ https://www.youtube.com/@downunderdandiving3357
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Want to tell us about a case?
Email our support team: support@adventureswithpurpose.com
🎬.. Watch Other Cases We’ve Solved
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SOLVED: Missing 23-years Underwater
(Samantha Hopper, 22-month-old Daughter Courtney, Unborn Baby)
SOLVED: 💔 Missing 24-year-old Jacob VanZant Found
SOLVED: How We FOUND Kiely Rodni: MURDER or ACCIDENT?
#Missing #MissingPerson #ColdCase
Yvonne touched my heart I’ll never forget her 💙🇦🇺🤿
Brown Charles Thomas Mark Davis William
Gods will was done. Great job done by all, especially a particularly determined baby sister!❤
I have a vacation home on the lake and wish I would’ve known you had a case down here and I could’ve met up with you guys and offered room and food.
Law enforcement doesn’t have the many hours spent reading the various sonar views that Jared and others who do this have. Nor do they have the time and funding while on the job. No fault to them for this. AWP and others perform a heartrending but necessary service.
Please flip the reel over!!!!!!!!
Jared flip that reel over work better unscrew handle switch other side if u need reel rite handed
Donald was found on my birthday. Im glad he and his family can have peace and solace. Rip donnie.
All these families suffering for so many years is so horrible! Wish I could give them ALL a big hug! May they find peace someday!
18:15 "I got a bad eye today." And Jared hurriedly replies "oh no worries," thus robbing the lady of the opportunity to tell you every detail of her ailment! (Good call, Jared!😂)
18:15 "I got a bad eye today." And Jared hurriedly replies "oh no worries," thus robbing the lady of the opportunity to tell you every detail of her ailment! (Good call, Jared!😂)
How do you not know how to cast an open faced reel but can read sonar better than most fisherman? You literally have the rod upside down and backwards…wtf
This is so sad the most saddes ones was the yound kids ones 16/17 years old 😢😢😢
Hi Jared…I always followed you on your searches, no matter what as been happening. Keep doing what you do, it is great you have Carson working with you again x
As a vet myself I don't see a vet goin to a base to check out…
If anything ud go to try and reconnect to some degree to prevent those thoughts from manifesting
I’m really excited to have Carson back on the team. His cinematography and shots are exceptional! Carson is a good guy. Welcome back.
Heartbreaking 😥
Arguably amongst the most worthwhile channels on all of YouTube! 👍
They don't lose track of their families they lose love of their families just want the money they don't give a f*** about their families
I know what Donnie was going through. I lost my right leg 2 years ago and I just went through a procedure where 2 stents was place in my left. I would love to end it if the stents fail by driving into a body of water. I live at a lake but the deepist it is 12 foot with no access. And I dont own a car at the moment.
please dont ever stop doing what you guys do!!!!! you truly did start a movement!!!!!! be safe
Deixei de suporte esse canal quando ficaram famosos e bloquearam aqueles que não doam dinheiro para o canal. Eu não tenho suficiente dinheiro para mim , porém eu sempre dou o like a promovo os canais.
Y'all and that interaction at the end…
Oh man y'all know how to bring tears to someone's eyes.
And she is so precious and loyal 🙏🕊️🙏🫂🙏🕊️🙏
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.
I can truly feel this woman’s pain, I lost my brother also, he took his own life. We were really close, happened 24 years ago and I think about him every day. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family ❤️❤️
Kudos to Camden County Sheriffs Department!!
What a beautiful blessing that Donnie was finally found. I believe in your work AWP!! I believe in the team who did find him. God had his plan. God bless you all! Keep it up!
What happend to your show we dont see it anymore.please continue with this and helping familys.i am from South Africa.