Update: Dane Paulsen, massive search underway for 2-year-old boy who disappeared while playing in his yard

(Updated March 12, 2025) Regarding the massive search for the two-year-old Oregon toddler, Dane Paulsen, who went missing from his yard on March 1, this update is not the one we were all hoping for.  Tragically, Dane was found deceased on March 11 in the Siletz River about three miles from his parents’ property.

Below, see the Facebook post from the Lincoln County (Oregon) Sheriff’s Office regarding this tragic outcome.

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March 11, 2025

Missing Child Dane Paulsen Found Deceased

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the discovery of Dane Paulsen, who had been missing since March 1, 2025 around 4:25pm. After an extensive search and investigation by local authorities, along with the help of community volunteers, Dane was found today at approximately 11:13am in the Siletz River approximately 3 miles downstream from the family’s property. Sadly, he was found deceased.

Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team offered his dive services to Dane’s family. After connecting with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jaun was escorted onto the river by a local river guide and began searching areas of the Siletz River downstream from where Sheriff’s Office drivers had thoroughly combed.

Sheriff’s Office investigators are currently processing the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Lincoln County Medical Examiners Office. As is standard with ongoing investigations, additional details are not available at this time.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest sympathies to Dane’s family and loved ones. The impact of this loss is felt by the entire community, and we join those grieving this unimaginable tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” said Sheriff Adam Shanks. “We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication shown by the search teams and our communities throughout this difficult time, though we wish it was under different circumstances.”

We understand that this news is incredibly painful, especially for Dane’s family and those who knew him. Dane’s family has been notified. Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to respect their need for space and time to grieve.

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Below, see the original post from Ace News Today regarding the missing two-year-old.  Our most sincere condolences go out to all of Dane’s family and friends.

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(March 3, 2025) ‘Dane Paulsen: massive search underway for 2-year-old boy who disappeared while playing in his yard’

On Saturday March 1, 2025, at about 4:25 pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a report of a two-year-old boy, Dane Paulsen, who had gone missing from his home near Milepost 21 on HWY 229, north of Siletz, Oregon.

A vehicle and an adult male, both of which were not known to the family, were noted near a bridge close to the residence approximately 30 minutes prior to the juvenile’s disappearance. Thanks to a community tip, this vehicle and operator have since been located. Following further investigation, this subject and the vehicle are no longer a point of interest.

Officials say that at the time of Dane’s disappearance, he was playing in the front yard of his home and out of sight of his parents. Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles.

As of this writing, Dane is still missing. Investigators are following up on numerous leads, including investigating various leads provided by Lincoln County community. The Sheriff’s Office reports that multiple Search and Rescue Teams and Sheriff’s Posse, along with community volunteers, are actively searching the area. Marine Teams and divers are searching the river. The Lincoln County Major Crime Team and the FBI are also assisting with investigative leads.

There is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident, according to local law enforcement.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including the enforcement division, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Mounted Posse, is being assisted by Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department (PD), Newport PD, FBI, Siletz Valley Fire, Lane Co SO, Clackamas Co SO, Polk Co SO, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit, Mary’s Peak SAR, and Region 3 K9.

So far, 382 acres have been searched and 283 miles have been covered. The following resources have been deployed in the initial 24 hours of Dane’s disappearance:

• 88 Certified Search and Rescue Members
• 4 Watercraft
• 4 Divers
• 4 Drones
• 6 Human Trailing K9s
• 40 Investigators
• 138 Community Volunteers

Family resources are being provided by the FBI’s Victim Services Division.

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How Can the Community Help:

• Those that are interested in joining search efforts can go to the staging area and check in with the camp host at Elks Toketee Illahee campground at 20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, Oregon 97380.
• Report any information relevant to Dane’s disappearance to the tip line: 541-265-0669

Once again, we thank our community for their compassion and assistance. Our team and the community are working tirelessly to bring Dane home.  ~ LCSO

Video:

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(Source and images: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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