The search for Dane Paulsen ended after authorities discovered the 2-year-old's body in the Siletz River in Oregon on Tuesday
The search for Dane Paulsen ended after authorities discovered the 2-year-old's body in the Siletz River in Oregon on Tuesday

The toddler’s disappearance had gripped the local community, prompting an extensive search involving law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers.

The Disappearance of Dane Paulsen

Dane Paulsen, the young son of a well-known local family who owns the Chowder Bowl restaurant in Depoe Bay, went missing on March 1, 2025. According to his family, Dane was last seen playing in the front yard of their home, located near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway.

Timeline of Events

March 1, 2025 – The Day Dane Went Missing

  • 3:55 PM – A gold-colored, late-1990s station wagon was seen near a bridge close to the Paulsen residence. This initially led to speculation about a possible abduction.

  • 4:25 PM – Dane’s parents noticed he was missing and immediately began searching the property and surrounding areas. When they could not find him, they contacted authorities, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office officially declared him missing.

March 2, 2025 – Search Efforts Begin

  • Morning: Authorities launched a large-scale search, covering the Paulsen property and nearby wooded areas. The search teams included the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and community volunteers.

  • Afternoon: Investigators located and interviewed the driver of the gold station wagon, determining that the vehicle and its occupant were unrelated to Dane’s disappearance.

March 3–10, 2025 – Intensive Search Efforts

  • Search teams expanded their efforts to cover nearly 700 acres of land and over 340 miles of terrain.

  • Divers, drones, watercraft, and K9 units were deployed to aid the search.

  • Authorities urged residents to check their properties, security cameras, and report any suspicious activity.

March 11, 2025 – The Discovery

  • 11:13 AM: Juan Heredia, a volunteer diver with the Angels Recovery Dive Team, discovered Dane’s body in the Siletz River, approximately three miles from his family’s home.

  • The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office took charge of the scene and began their investigation.

Investigation and Cause of Death

At this time, authorities have not released the official cause of Dane’s death. However, early reports indicate there were no immediate signs of foul play. An autopsy is being conducted by the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact cause and time of death.

Community Response and Family’s Grief

Dane’s disappearance and the tragic outcome have deeply affected the Siletz and broader Oregon communities. His parents, devastated by the loss, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from volunteers, law enforcement, and the public.

Local businesses, including the family’s restaurant, Chowder Bowl, have organized fundraising efforts and memorials to honor Dane’s life. Vigils have been held in multiple towns, with community members offering condolences and support.

Sheriff Adam Shanks issued a statement, saying, “Our hearts are with Dane’s family during this unimaginable tragedy. We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of all who assisted in the search. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we remain dedicated to understanding what happened.”

What’s Next?

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dane’s disappearance. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the tip line at 541-265-0669.

As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety and vigilance. For now, the Paulsen family and their supporters seek closure as they navigate this devastating loss.

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