The body of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who had been missing since March 1, was discovered on March 11 in Oregon’s Siletz River, approximately three miles from his family’s property.
Authorities conducted an extensive search for the toddler, but tragically, he was found deceased.
In a Facebook press release, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Sadly, he was found deceased.” They also confirmed that investigators are processing the scene in collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Dane’s body was discovered around 11:13 a.m. by volunteer diver Juan Heredia from the Angels Recovery Dive Team, guided by a local river expert. The area had previously been searched by sheriff’s office divers.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Sheriff Adam Shanks said. “Out of respect for their privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to give them space to grieve.”
In the first 24 hours after Dane was reported missing, authorities, volunteers, and multiple search-and-rescue teams covered 382 acres and 283 miles. The extensive search efforts included K9 units, drones, divers, and watercraft.
Dane Paulsen was last seen alive on March 1, at approximately 4:25 p.m. local time in his family’s home’s yard north of Siletz, Oregon.
Around the time he vanished, a car driven by an adult man was spotted near the family’s home, but after tracking down the driver, authorities said he was no “person of interest.”
Further, the sheriff’s office stated that Dane’s case didn’t qualify for Amber Alert, but updates would be provided through the social media and FlashAlert.
We are so very sorry for the loss of Dane Paulsen.
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