Found Deceased Siletz, OR - 2yo Dane Paulsen, missing from yard of residence, 01 MAR 2025

Hey all, sorry first time posting about this little boy but have been closely following since he went missing. It seems there is now questions raised about possible abduction, the parents have offered a cash reward for his safe return
The automobile seen in the area was ruled out some time ago and as of 20 hours ago LE was stating there was no indicators of criminal activity. I can understand the parents wishing to hold out hope that he's with someone, not by choice perhaps, but unharmed but the evidence that he was at the river's edge points to a more likely scenario. ‘He Was at the River’s Edge’—Four Days of Searching, and Still No Sign of Dane Paulsen
 
But perhaps there should be? Why do we have Silver Alerts for missing elderly people who wandered off, but no alert for children who wander off? I don’t understand the difference.
I think the reason Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts make sense and are so beneficial is so many people could recognize the child/vulnerable adult or an associated vehicle out in the public, where if the person didn't have that alert, the missing person could look totally normal and no alarms would be raised.
in this case, widespread info about this poor boy likely wouldn't help if the police 100% believe he is in the wooded area or in the water. he won't be walking around a grocery store with a stranger. he won't be in a strangers car. if a person just so happens to be walking around this wooded area, not knowing about the search, and sees a 2 year old by himself, they don't need an alert to know this isn't normal, and would scoop him up and help him regardless.
 

Day of Disappearance​

Dane Paulsen was first reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, March 1 around 4:30 p.m.

“At the time of his disappearance, Dane was reported to be playing in the yard of the residence located near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway,” officials said.

However, authorities report that Dane had not been in his parents’ eyesight at the time.

That day, he was wearing a grey fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes. Law enforcement later updated his description to include that he has brown hair and green eyes.

Officials immediately began searching the family’s residence and surrounding areas.

Timeline continues at link...

https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/timeline-what-we-know-dane-paulsen-missing-child-siletz-03052025/

3/6/2025
 
But perhaps there should be? Why do we have Silver Alerts for missing elderly people who wandered off, but no alert for children who wander off? I don’t understand the difference.

The reasoning is there has to be specific requirements or there would be too many and people would start to ignore them, even turning them off on their phones.

In cases such as Dane's, the news was all over their community right away and then greater Oregon not long after.


IMO MOO
 
I still feel, my opinion only, that he was taken. Mud impressions at the riverbank could have been earlier in the day with a parent. LE said today they got a tip about a white van in the area prior to the missing date. It might be something or not, but I just got a strong personal impression this is an abduction case. JMO


Media Release
March 10, 2025
Search for Dane Paulsen Update - Search Continues (3/10/25 - 4pm Update)

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies are continuing search operations for Dane Paulsen.

Ongoing search and investigation activities:

• Investigators continue to follow up on leads they discover in addition to informational tips from the community.

• Daily water searches utilizing watercraft with specialized equipment and trained personnel will continue until further notice.

Answering some common questions:

• We have received information regarding a white van seen in the area two weeks before Dane’s disappearance. At this time, we do not have evidence linking this vehicle to the ongoing search and investigation.

• We will be providing updates as significant information becomes available. This means we will not be providing daily updates. New information or major updates will be shared through the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office FlashAlert (Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office News via Flashalert.net) and Facebook page.

• Though the land within the search area has been thoroughly combed, we cannot guarantee the areas are clear. Even with specialized equipment and search K9s, it is possible to miss a small child that may be hidden by thick brush or other visual impairments.

• Due to the thorough coverage of the surrounding area and information provided by investigators and evidence from searchers with specialized training and equipment, search efforts are concentrated on the Siletz River.

• Highly trained personal and specialized equipment remain imperative to this search. Read more about some of the specialized personal and equipment cited in our earlier releases: March 5, 2025 Media Release (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/Admin/...45pm-Investigation-Update-on-Dane-Paulsen-PDF) and March 4, 2025 Talking Points from Community Update (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/Admin/...-Points-from-Community-and-Media-Briefing-PDF).

• Some community members continue to search on their own. This is in addition to official search efforts. Searchers need permission from property owners before accessing private property. Searchers also need to prioritize safety (see safety suggestions below).

How Community Members Can Help:

• To ensure investigators receive information as quickly as possible, please submit all tips to the tip line, not through Facebook. Currently there is no evidence to suggest criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance. We still ask the public to report relevant information to the tip line: 541-265-0669. When sharing information that may help us bring Dane home, be as specific as possible. Note the time, exact location, and get clear photos or videos when possible.

• Share official updates found on the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office FlashAlert and Facebook page.

• If community members choose to continue their search (in addition to emergency responder searches), keep these things in mind:
o If you are choosing to search the river or riverbanks, wear a life jacket at all times. The Siletz River is cold and fast-moving.
o Please avoid areas with active searching by emergency responders or certified personnel.
o Do not search during the night or dark hours.
o Carry safety equipment such as first aid kit, extra water and food, whistle, flashlight, etc.
o Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Wear layers, bring waterproof clothes, and sturdy shoes.
o Before you set out, have a safety plan in place. Let someone know exactly where you are headed and when you will return.
o Remember that private property cannot be searched without updated permission from the owner.

Updates will be shared through FlashAlert and our Facebook page as significant updates become available.

Once again, we express empathy for Dane’s family. We also want to thank our community for their compassion and assistance. Our teams are working to bring Dane home.
 
Thanks, @Oregonmama, for posting today's Media Release.
The searches are still going on for this sweet boy. The powers that be have been amazing with all they have done and are doing.

My thoughts are on his parents and others who love him. I cannot imagine waking up in the mornings with no sweet little boy -- not giving him his meals -- no hugs & kisses -- no dirty clothes -- no playing with him -- and not tucking him in at night.
 
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So grateful that so many people are looking for him. I was wondering, are there wild animals close to the property? Looks like a lot of woods- bears? Coyotes? Or are we pretty sure the river took him?
There are black bears in that part of Oregon, but they are generally non agressive and this early in the early would not likely have cubs that would make them more protective. Coyotes can be a risk to a toddler, but there's adequate small game around there for them to eat with no snow cover so it's unlikely. I believe LE stated in a link prior to this post that wild animals had been ruled out.
 
A child’s body has been found in Siletz. A spokesperson for LCSO has confirmed to me. This comes as two-year-old Dane Paulsen has been missing for 11 days. We are still working to learn more about who this is. We are heading to Siletz now. @KATUNews

 
Hey folks,

WS never announces that a specific individual has been found deceased unless/until there is OFFICIAL confirmation by LE, the coroner, or MSM.

This is because social media has been known to be wrong at times and we never want misinformation of that kind to appear on WS.

Thanks for your understanding.
 

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon

Media Release
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.

###
 

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon

Media Release
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.

###
So sad.
 
A volunteer diver has found the body of the 2-year-old Siletz boy who went missing while playing in his front yard 10 days ago, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

California scuba diver Juan Heredia joined the search this week. Heredia has been credited in the past with helping find the bodies of people who went missing, including last year.

Heredia found the boy’s body around 11:13 a.m., about 3 miles downstream of the boy’s home, the sheriff’s office said.


 

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