SILETZ, Ore. — The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who had been missing for over a week, ended in tragedy on Tuesday when his body was discovered in the Siletz River. Authorities confirmed that Dane was found approximately three miles downstream from his family’s home, where he had been last seen on March 1.
The child was located at around 11:13 a.m. by volunteer diver Juan Heredia, who had traveled from California to assist in the search. Heredia, a member of the Angels Recovery Dive Team, worked alongside local authorities to search parts of the river where previous searches had not been able to reach.
The young boy had been reported missing on March 1 around 4:25 p.m. After a week of intensive searches by local law enforcement, including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the focus was shifted mainly to the Siletz River, where officials believed the boy may have wandered. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office also contributed to the search effort, sending additional personnel and search dogs to assist in locating Dane.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, after thorough searches of the surrounding area, the river was identified as the most likely location. Heredia’s dive team was called upon to search parts of the river that had not been covered by previous efforts, leading to the discovery of the child’s body.
In a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office, they confirmed that the scene was being processed by investigators in collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. Details about the cause of death remain unavailable as the investigation is ongoing.
“We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication shown by the search teams and our communities throughout this difficult time,” said Sheriff Adam Shanks in the announcement. “Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow.”
The Sheriff’s Office also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, asking that the public and media respect their need for privacy during this incredibly painful period.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, law enforcement continues to emphasize the importance of supporting the grieving family and allowing them the time and space needed to heal. The tragic death of young Dane Paulsen is felt by many, and the efforts of volunteers and search teams in attempting to bring closure to the family have been widely recognized.
The loss of such a young life has left an indelible mark on the small community of Siletz, where residents are coming together to mourn the child and offer support to his family during their unimaginable grief.
