In a tragic conclusion to an extensive search effort, 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who had been missing from his family’s rural Oregon home since March 1, was found deceased on March 11. His body was discovered in the Siletz River, approximately three miles downstream from his residence.
Disappearance and Immediate Search Efforts
Dane was last seen playing in the front yard of his family’s home near Siletz, Oregon, around 4:25 p.m. on March 1. His parents reported him missing when he was no longer within sight. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, along with local fire and police agencies, initiated a search of the property and surrounding areas on foot and with drones equipped with thermal imaging technology.
Expanded Search Operations
The search efforts quickly expanded to include multiple agencies and community volunteers. By March 2, nearly 150 community members had joined the search, covering 382 acres and 283 miles using watercraft, divers, drones, and K9 units. The FBI and other regional agencies also provided assistance. Despite the extensive search, initial efforts did not yield any significant leads.
Focus on the Siletz River
Given the proximity of the family’s home to the Siletz River and Dane’s known affinity for water, search efforts increasingly concentrated on the river area. Authorities utilized specialized equipment and highly trained personnel to navigate the challenging terrain and dense vegetation along the riverbanks. Despite these efforts, the search area presented significant challenges, and authorities cautioned that it was possible to miss a small child hidden by thick brush or other visual impairments.
Discovery and Investigation
On March 11, at approximately 11:13 a.m., Dane’s body was found in the Siletz River, about three miles downstream from his family’s property. The discovery was made by Juan Heredia of Angels Recovery Dive Team. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office, is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dane’s disappearance and death.
Community Response and Support
The local community has been deeply affected by Dane’s disappearance and subsequent death. Hundreds of volunteers participated in the search efforts, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and support for the Paulsen family. Vigils and memorials are being organized to honor Dane’s memory, reflecting the community’s collective grief and desire to support the family during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have stated that there is no evidence of criminal activity related to Dane’s disappearance. Earlier in the investigation, reports of a white van seen in the area two weeks prior to Dane’s disappearance were investigated, but no evidence was found linking the vehicle to the case. The focus remains on understanding the events that led to this tragic outcome.
Conclusion
The loss of Dane Paulsen has profoundly impacted his family and the broader community. The extensive search efforts and the community’s response highlight the collective commitment to finding the missing child and supporting the grieving family. As the investigation continues, authorities and community members alike are focused on providing support to the Paulsen family and seeking answers to the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.
