The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in Siletz, Oregon, has gripped the community, bringing together law enforcement, volunteers, and agencies from across the region in a desperate attempt to find the missing toddler. Since Saturday, March 1, when Dane vanished from his home near Milepost 21 on Highway 229, search efforts have stretched across land and water, covering hundreds of miles and involving hundreds of searchers. Yet, as the days pass and the nights grow colder, the reality of his absence weighs heavily on the hearts of all who hold onto hope.
Dane was last seen around 4:30 p.m. playing in his front yard, just out of his parents’ sight. Described as a friendly and fearless child, he is comfortable around strangers and water but, heartbreakingly, does not know how to swim. That simple fact has made the search even more urgent, given the proximity of his home to the Siletz River. His love for water and vehicles has fueled fears that he may have wandered toward the river or been drawn to something that led him away from safety.
From the moment he was reported missing at 4:25 p.m. on Saturday, a massive search effort began. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Oregon State Police, multiple county sheriff’s offices, local police departments, and specialized rescue teams, immediately sprang into action. By nightfall, teams were searching the dense brush and rugged terrain near the riverbanks, using thermal drones to try and detect any sign of the little boy in the darkness.
On Sunday, the search intensified. More than 100 volunteers from Lincoln County joined trained search and rescue teams, combing through the landscape in desperate pursuit of any clue that could lead to Dane’s whereabouts. Searchers formed lines, spreading 10 to 15 feet apart, meticulously checking creek beds, thick underbrush, and any place a small child might have wandered. Divers plunged into the river, while boats patrolled the water’s edge. Six human-trailing K9 units were deployed, their noses working tirelessly to pick up any trace of Dane. Drones scanned from above, while investigators followed up on leads provided by concerned citizens.
One early piece of information had suggested a possible lead—a gold station wagon and an unknown adult male were seen near a bridge close to Dane’s home around the time of his disappearance. The community rallied, spreading the word and keeping a vigilant eye out. But by Sunday evening, after authorities located and interviewed the individual, both the man and his vehicle were ruled out as points of interest.
Despite the exhaustive efforts of search teams and volunteers, Dane remains missing. A staggering 382 acres have been scoured, and 283 miles have been covered. The resources deployed in just the first 24 hours of the search reflect the gravity of the situation: 88 certified search and rescue members, four watercraft, four divers, four drones, six human-trailing K9s, 40 investigators, and 138 community volunteers. Even with these extensive measures, there has been no sign of the little boy.
The FBI’s Major Crime Team has stepped in to assist with the investigation, and while authorities continue to pursue every possible lead, they have stated that there is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions were involved. That has done little to ease the growing anxiety felt by those following the case, many of whom can’t shake the haunting question: how does a child disappear so suddenly, with no trace?
An Amber Alert has not been issued, as Dane’s disappearance does not meet the strict criteria required for activation. That has been a point of frustration for some, though authorities stress that they are using every tool at their disposal to find him.
The weight of the situation is not lost on the people of Siletz, Newport, and beyond. The heartbreak is palpable in the voices of those who have joined the search, their boots muddy and their hands scratched from the brush, but their determination unwavering. Randy James, a local volunteer who has spent years assisting in missing persons cases, including the search for Michael Bryson, brought his German Shepherd to aid in the search. Like so many others, he felt the call to do whatever he could to bring Dane home.
“The community all came together to search,” James said Sunday night. “No one deserves to have a missing family member.”
For Dane’s family, there are no words that can describe the agony they must be enduring as the hours stretch into days. As search teams continue their work, the community has been asked to assist in specific ways. Authorities have requested that volunteers not search at night but instead check in at the Elks Toketee Illahee campground (20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, OR 97380) during daylight hours to join the coordinated efforts. They have also urged anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. The tip line remains open at 541-265-0669.
As Monday dawns and the search resumes at full force, the collective hope remains that today will be the day Dane is found. Until then, the people of Lincoln County and beyond will continue to do what Oregonians do best: show up for one another in times of need. Every set of eyes, every pair of hands, every shared piece of information brings us one step closer to bringing Dane home.
