After an 11-day search for a missing Oregon boy, his family has received devastating news. A diver found the body of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in the Siletz River, about three miles from his family’s property. Dane was reported missing on March 1, 2025, after he reportedly vanished from his parents’ sight in their front yard. An intense search began immediately and went on for more than a week until rescuers found his body.
According to a news release from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, “Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team, offered his dive services to Dane’s family. After connecting with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Juan 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.”
Heredia discovered Dane’s body about 11:13 a.m. March 11. The case remains under investigation. The sheriff’s office shared “deepest sympathies” with Dane’s family and all those grieving the loss of the little boy.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Sheriff Adam Shanks shared in the news release. “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.”
The sheriff’s office noted that it had contacted Danes’ family and asked the public to respect their privacy as his relatives grieve.
The discovery has caused mixed reactions on social media.
Some people called for charges against Dane’s parents. One person wrote, “Yes! 100% they need to be charged! That is no simple ‘lapse in judgment’ as some have stated.”
Another commenter on the news release agreed. “i hope the parents are held responsible for letting their 2 year old be outside alone, knowingly, leading to his passing,” the person wrote. “sure i feel sad, but what did they expect? the 2 year old to not wander? especially living near water? he should just know water is dangerous at that age? no. let’s see some charges.”
But many shared sympathies, such as this person who called for people to have a heart: “Some weirdos in these comments using this time to be negative af. A family just lost their child. Do you not get that? Have some respect, who raised some of you??”
One mom shared, “A mother to another mother.. I can only imagine the deep pit you’re feeling.. I’m so sorry this happened to your little boy. Prayers and endless love to you and your family.”
The investigation into the case continues, according to the sheriff’s office’s release. “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.”
