Update (2:45pm): Since we originally reported on the discovery of a child’s body in Siletz, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has now confirmed that the remains belong to missing toddler Dane Paulsen. Dane was found deceased in the Siletz River, approximately three miles downstream from his family’s home, at 11:13 a.m. today. The recovery was made with the assistance of Juan Heredia from Angels Recovery Dive Team, who volunteered his expertise to help the family. Authorities are currently processing the scene in coordination with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. The sheriff’s office expressed deep condolences to Dane’s family and thanked the community for their support throughout the search.
SILETZ, Ore. — The news that many in Oregon feared has arrived. After 11 days of relentless searching, a child's body has been recovered in Siletz, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. While officials have yet to confirm the identity, the timing and location suggest that it may be young Dane Paulsen, the toddler who vanished on March 1.
The search for Dane gripped the hearts of many. Volunteers poured in from across the state, and even beyond, desperate to bring him home. One of those volunteers, Juan Heredia, a diver from Stockton, California, believes he was the one to make the grim discovery. He made the long journey north simply to help—a testament to the reach of Dane’s story and the compassion of those who felt compelled to act.
From the beginning, authorities honed in on the Siletz River. Evidence suggested that Dane had been near the water’s edge before he disappeared. As days passed, search crews intensified their efforts, utilizing thermal drones, tracking dogs, boats, and underwater imaging technology.
At a press conference on March 4, Sergeant Jason Spano of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office explained why their focus remained on the river. “So far, the evidence available indicates Dane was at the river's edge before his disappearance. Because of this, we will be focusing the majority of our ongoing resources on searching the Siletz River.”
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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
— Shelby Slaughter (@Shelmarslaugh) March 11, 2025
And search they did. Community members trudged through thick brush and along the riverbanks. Boats covered miles of cold, winding water. Experts in human behavior tracking joined the efforts. The people of Siletz, and far beyond, refused to give up.
But today, hope has been replaced with sorrow.
While law enforcement has yet to confirm if the recovered body belongs to Dane, this discovery brings an unbearable weight. For those who have followed this case, prayed for his safe return, or searched tirelessly for him, it is the news they dreaded most.
The sheriff’s office may hold another press conference Tuesday, and further details will emerge. But for now, a community grieves.
Dane Paulsen’s disappearance has left a hole in the hearts of those who searched for him, those who shared his story, and those who simply wished for a different ending.
And tonight, Oregon mourns.
