Missing Oregon Toddler Dane Paulsen Found in River

Missing Oregon Toddler Dane Paulsen Found in River

SILETZ, Ore. – March 11, 2025 – The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who vanished from his family’s yard in Siletz, Oregon, on March 1, has come to a tragic end. After speaking with family members, Dane’s body was discovered deceased in the Siletz River earlier today, bringing closure to a heart-wrenching 10-day search that gripped the Lincoln County community and beyond.

Dane Paulsen was playing in the front yard of his family’s home near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway around 4:25 p.m. on March 1. Described as “friendly and fearless,” the toddler was comfortable around strangers and loved water and vehicles, though he could not swim.

He was wearing a grey fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue-and-white shoes at the time of his disappearance. With brown hair and green eyes, Dane lived less than 100 feet from the Siletz River, a proximity that would later become the focal point of the investigation.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate and extensive search, joined by the Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Siletz Valley Fire, and the FBI, along with search-and-rescue teams from Lane, Clackamas, and Polk counties. Hundreds of volunteers across Oregon and neighboring states also rallied to assist, combing over 680 acres and 311 miles of terrain.

Early in the investigation, evidence pointed to Dane being near the river’s edge before he vanished, prompting authorities to shift their focus to the Siletz River four days later. The search employed advanced techniques, including boats covering over 14 miles of the river, divers searching two miles of water, drones with thermal imaging, underwater sonar, and K9 units trained to detect human scent. Community members even utilized personal watercraft to extend the search to the lower Siletz River, while volunteers gathered daily at the Elks Toketee Illahee Campground to coordinate efforts.

Posts on X indicate that Dane’s body was located today, March 11, by diver Juan Heredia, who had been assisting in the search efforts. Reports suggest Heredia found Dane within two hours of entering the water, though official confirmation from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has not released the information as of 2:36 p.m. PDT. Family members have confirmed the discovery, expressing their grief and gratitude for the tireless efforts of search teams and the community.

Sheriff Adam Shanks, who has overseen the operation, previously described the search as “absolutely heartbreaking,” noting the impact on Dane’s family and the community. “As a parent myself, my heart is broken just seeing what they are going through,” Shanks said during a March 4 press conference. “Our teams and supporting agencies have held this search close to our hearts.”

The investigation initially explored potential leads, including a late 1990s gold-colored station wagon seen in the area 30 minutes before Dane’s disappearance. After locating and interviewing the driver, authorities determined no connection.

The family mentioned a white van, which authorities investigated. However, it was unrelated to the case. The Sheriff’s Office has consistently stated there is no evidence of criminal activity, suggesting Dane’s disappearance was likely an accident related to the nearby river.

The Siletz River, described as cold and fast-moving with water temperatures between 44 and 46 degrees in early March, posed significant challenges to the search. Officials noted that even advanced equipment and K9 units could overlook a small child hidden in the thick brush and dense terrain.

Dane’s mother had reportedly offered a reward for his safe return, reflecting her hope that he might have been taken rather than lost to the river. However, the discovery of his body has confirmed the worst fears of his family and the community.

Over 195 tips were investigated during the search, with the Sheriff’s Office urging anyone with information to call their tip line at 541-265-0669, emphasizing the need for specific details such as exact locations and timestamps. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released an official statement confirming the discovery, but updates are expected soon via their FlashAlert system and Facebook page. The FBI’s Victim Services Division has been assisting the Paulsen family, while the Lincoln County Major Crime Team continues to assist in the investigation.

The community’s response has been overwhelming, with over 200 volunteers, 88 certified search-and-rescue members, and numerous emergency responders contributing to the effort. Residents offered food and accommodations to search teams, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz rallied behind the family, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the region.

Dane’s disappearance and the subsequent search have left an indelible mark on Lincoln County. As the community mourns, attention will now turn to supporting the Paulsen family through their grief. A GoFundMe established by community members to aid the family remains active, and officials have asked the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

For further updates, the public is encouraged to follow official channels from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. This tragic outcome serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of natural waterways, particularly for young children, and underscores the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.