The heartbreaking search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who disappeared on March 1, ended in tragedy as his body was discovered in the Siletz River in Oregon on March 11. The devastating news has left his family and the local community in deep mourning.

A Desperate Search for Dane

Dane was last seen playing outside his family’s home near Siletz, Oregon, around 4:25 p.m. on March 1. His sudden disappearance triggered an extensive search effort that spanned over 382 acres and 283 miles of surrounding terrain. Law enforcement agencies, volunteers, K9 units, drones, and divers all worked tirelessly, hoping to bring the child home safely.

Despite relentless efforts, it wasn’t until March 11 that the search came to a sorrowful end. At approximately 11:13 a.m., volunteer diver Juan Heredia, from the Angels Recovery Dive Team, located Dane’s body in the river. He was led to the area by a local river expert, marking the end of a search that had gripped the community.

A Community in Mourning

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragic discovery in an emotional statement:

“Sadly, he was found deceased,” they wrote in a Facebook post. The sheriff’s office stated that the body was being examined by the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.

Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his condolences, urging the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during this painful time.

Unanswered Questions Remain

During the investigation, authorities revealed that a vehicle driven by an adult male was seen near the Paulsen home around the time Dane went missing. However, after questioning the driver, investigators determined he was not connected to the case.

Despite widespread concern, an Amber Alert was never issued because the case did not meet the required criteria. Still, updates were consistently provided to the public through social media and emergency alert systems.

Final Goodbyes

The Paulsen family has requested privacy as they grieve the unimaginable loss of their beloved child. They have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

Dane’s tragic story serves as a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life is. His absence will be deeply felt by his loved ones, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who cherished him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Paulsen family during this incredibly difficult time.