2-year-old Dane Paulsen found dead after going missing in Oregon
The sheriff’s office credited Juan Heredia with Angels Recovery Dive Team with finding the boy’s body in Siletz River.
A nearly two-week search for missing Oregon toddler Dane Paulsen ended in tragedy on Tuesday when his body was discovered in the Siletz River, three miles downstream from his family’s home. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the devastating news, bringing a sorrowful closure to an extensive rescue effort that had captured national attention.
Authorities stated that Juan Heredia, along with Angels Recovery Dive Team, offered their services to the toddler's family and began searching the river with a guide. Furthermore, investigators said they are working with the local Lincoln County Medical Examiners Office to determine a cause of death.
Toddler Dane Paulsen found dead after going missing
The two-year-old was reported missing on March 1 after vanishing from his front yard in Siletz, Oregon. His parents last saw him playing outside before he disappeared from view. Authorities focused their search along the riverbank after evidence suggested Dane had been near the water before going missing.
Law enforcement and volunteers conducted a large-scale search, covering 682 acres and 341 miles. The operation involved:
- 88 search-and-rescue team members
- 40 investigators
- Four aerial drones
- Multiple human-trailing dogs
- 140 community volunteers
Despite these efforts, the search ended in sorrow when Dane’s body was found at approximately 11:13 a.m. on March 11.
Sheriff’s statement and investigation updates in Oregon
Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed deep condolences to Dane’s family and gratitude to the search teams.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Sheriff Shanks stated. “We appreciate the dedication shown by the search teams and our community. Though we hoped for a different outcome, we are thankful for the efforts to bring Dane home.”
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death. Authorities have ruled out foul play, emphasizing that there is no evidence of abduction or criminal activity.
Remembering Dane Paulsen
Described as “friendly and fearless,” Dane was known for his love of water and vehicles. Family members shared that he was comfortable around strangers and water but could not swim.
The FBI assisted in the investigation and provided resources to the grieving family. Authorities also followed up on nearly 200 tips, including reports of a man in a station wagon seen in the area before Dane’s disappearance. However, officials later determined that the driver and vehicle were not connected to the case.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department will continue to provide updates through social media. For now, the community mourns the loss of a little boy who touched many hearts in his short life.