Search ends in tragedy: Diver finds body of missing 2-year-old boy in Siletz River, authorities say
UPDATE: Adding video
SILETZ, Ore. (KTVZ) -- An extensive, over week-long search for a missing Oregon Coast toddler ended sadly Tuesday with a diver's discovery of the 2-year-old's body in the Siletz River.
Here's the full announcement from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, posted to Facebook on Tuesday afternoon:
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 three 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 divers 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.
