Search continues for missing Portland father
PORTLAND, Ore. - The search for a missing father of four continued Thursday, with family members canvassing North Portland and handing out fliers bearing the man’s picture.
Matthew McConnell-Hegland disappeared just before Christmas, early Saturday morning. He went to a friend’s apartment complex that morning after leaving the Twilight Bar in North Portland.
But when friends woke up later that day, McConnell-Hegland had vanished and hasn’t been seen since.
Portland police said they have no evidence of foul play. Also, his wife checked their bank accounts and she said there haven’t been any withdrawals or other indications of where he went.
Ricci McConnell-Hegland said her husband’s disappearance has been especially difficult for her family during the holidays.
“…It’s hard not being able to just sit down, talk about our days and things like that,” she said. “And it’s hard with the kids because you want to … be able to tell them that you know he’s coming home.”
McConnell-Hegland is 29 years old and about 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, green polo shirt and beige pants.
Police say they are concerned that McConnell-Hegland might be suffering a mental health crisis. Anyone with information about the man is asked to call 911.
God bless you and your family, I will keep you all in my prayers, It woulnt hurt for some of the others in this forum to do the same!
This isn't looking good. His "friends" most likely know more than they are telling.
This is a rather interesting site that i found when I googled Matt's name....cut and paste it into your browserÂ
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http://www.refugees.bratfree.com/read.php?2,266000,page=1
 @Tyler Van Pelt I made the mistake of clicking on that site. FYI for anyone else curious about itâit's filled with angry, hateful posters who don't like children. Save yourself some grief and steer clear.
If you actually read the site, it is for people who don't want to have children and don't get all gooey around kids. Crimes against children, and abuse of children, get sharp criticism, and one of the commenters is an EMT who saves childrens' lives every day. It's a site for people who don't like bad parents. You're just offended by the Nicholas Francisco/Alex Martin parallels cited in this case.
 @Lalahulu  @Tyler Van Pelt I found it rather amusing. All in good fun. Don't read it if it offends you. Jebus H xmas, it's almost like nobody is allowed to have fun anymore.
I don't care why he left, Just want him home.
 @RicciJoan1 I'm so sorry sweetie..I cant imagine! He will come home to you!!
 @RicciJoan1 we don't even know if he left or was abducted. But yes,  I believe we all want him home asap safe and sound.
 @whirledworld  @RicciJoan1 The smart money is on "left". Maybe we will all find out someday. Maybe not.
He could be wandering around and be the guy with his hood pulled down over his face that we see walking the streets. Obviously he does not want to be found if he is still among the living - there has to be more to this story...
I still say...at the beginning of this news, it was said that the family were "baffled" by his disappearance. When it came out that he might be having some "mental issues", I wrote..."so what is so baffling???" He's having a mental crisis of some kind. No mystery as to why he's missing. He's not thinking straight. I think families just don't want to admit when a family member has something going on with their mind...there's still a stigma attached to it. If he was on some mood-altering medication, drinking might not have been the smartest thing to do. Hope he's found...but this isn't baffling. The only thing that's the mystery is....where is he?
@fracas thats my brother. Hes a good brother, friend, husband and father to four beautiful kids. He wasnt on meds, he was in great health and we'd appreciate if you'd keep your speculation quite as you know nothing about him. We are searching woods neighborhoods and every where our feet can take us to find him, because we love him. The news speculates, assumes and wonders because a father who loved his family dearly, was loved by all simply vanished.Please refrain from assuming anything as there are many MANY of us waiting here for news and i bet they wouldnt appreciate your comments anymore thanI have. Ps ive got plenty of flyers if youd like to contribute in a positive way, otherwise, please leave my family alone.
@Erica Quiding Sorry, but you cannot tell people to be "quite" (quiet) in a public forum. Of course we don't know him, but smokers in a smoky room do not notice the smoke. He didn't "simply vanish" in a puff of smoke. You cannot control the conversation just because you are related to the person who is the subject of the conversation.
@gofigure Well, we can all tell each other to be quiet, then! Right?
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And while we are shushing each other, will the police explore the fact that someone on the Facebook page devoted to finding this man stated that he had "lived on the streets" and "knows people and the tricks to disappear." Because that was not me who said that, nor was it me discussing it on WebSleuths. It is others saying that.
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All the facts should be considered if he is to be found. Not just the "nice" facts.
 @MourningEve She absolutely can tell people to be quiet. They may not (and probably won't) abide by her wishes, but that needn't prevent her from expressing herself and trying to get her point across.Â
Erica so well said from Ricci Aunt ! We love u Matt come home
My family will pray that he finds his way home. God Bless.
Erica,
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As hard as it is, you should just avoid these message boards. I once had a friend who died (tragically) and reading the blog comments tore me apart. I worked with Matt when he started at my company and he is a nice guy. I hope everything ends in your favor and he is safely found. You and your family, as well as Matt are in my thoughts.
 @Erica Quiding  I participate in missing person searches and I want to help. Where are we searching on Friday? What time? I'll be there. I can put up some flyers in my area too. Is he familiar with the area in which he was last seen?
 @special effects  @Erica Quiding You might want to check out the facebook page they set up for their activities:
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https://www.facebook.com/findingmattm
 @Erica Quiding  @fracas Hoping for a happy outcome, Erica. Know that many of us  in this area are sending love and prayers your family's and brother's way, and keeping our eyes peeled for ...anything...anything at all that might help..
 @Erica Quiding  @fracas I hope your brother comes home soon.
 @Erica Quiding  @fracas Best wishes to your family, armchair "experts" come out on almost any missing person article.  It's probably best to ignore those types.
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I'll definitely keep an eye out. Â Was the apartment where he last seen in St John's near the Twilight Room?