LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has confirmed the heartbreaking news that two-year-old Dane Paulsen, who was reported missing in early March, has been found deceased. The toddler’s body was recovered Tuesday morning at approximately 11:13 a.m. in the Siletz River, about three miles downstream from his family’s property.
The discovery was made with the help of Juan Heredia, a member of the Angels Recovery Dive Team, who was guided onto the river by a local expert in coordination with the LCSO. The recovery marks a tragic end to an extensive search effort that involved multiple agencies, volunteers, and community members.
Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his condolences to Dane’s family, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow. 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.”
LCSO investigators are currently processing the scene in collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. Further details regarding the circumstances of Dane’s disappearance and passing have not yet been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have commended the tireless efforts of search teams, volunteers, and local community members who came together to assist in the search for Dane. The tragic outcome has left the community in mourning, as they rally around the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the LCSO is urging anyone with information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Dane’s disappearance to come forward. The loss of such a young life has deeply affected the Lincoln County community, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.