Siletz, Oregon – March 5, 2025 – It has been four harrowing days since 2-year-old Dane Paulsen vanished from his parents’ front yard near Milepost 21 on Highway 229 in Siletz. Despite tireless efforts from law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and an outpouring of community volunteers, Dane has yet to be found. As a concerned Oregonian, my heart aches for his family and everyone involved in the desperate search to bring this little boy home.
Dane was last seen around 4:30 p.m. on March 1, playing outside near his home. Within hours of his disappearance, Lincoln County authorities mobilized an intensive search operation involving ground teams, aerial surveillance, and water rescue units. Sheriff Adam Shanks has confirmed that more than 200 volunteers from Oregon and neighboring states have joined the effort, a testament to the strength and compassion of our community.
The search has been exhaustive, covering 682 acres of land, 341 miles on foot, and 2 miles of the Siletz River. The terrain is rugged, thick with underbrush, and challenging to navigate, making the work of searchers even more difficult.
“We have utilized every tool at our disposal,” officials stated, listing thermal imaging, night-vision technology, drones, K9 units, divers, and boats as part of the ongoing efforts.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Lincoln County Sgt. Jason Spano provided an update, stating that investigators are narrowing their focus. “So far, the evidence available indicates Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance,” Spano said. Because of this, the primary search area has now shifted to the Siletz River, where teams will continue scanning the water and nearby shorelines using specialized tools, including drones, divers, watercraft, and trained K9 teams.
Additionally, a highly skilled “sign cutter” has been deployed—a search expert trained to track footprints and subtle environmental disturbances left behind by people or animals. While officials are prioritizing the river, they stress that the search on land is still ongoing. “The thick, rough forest terrain means it’s possible to miss locating someone,” Spano noted, and they will not rule out any possibilities until Dane is found.
This tragic event has brought together a wave of support from both local residents and people across the state. Volunteers have been gathering at the Elks Toketee Illahee Campground, the designated staging area for search efforts. The sheer number of people stepping up to help—whether by combing through dense brush, monitoring riverbanks, or simply sharing Dane’s story—has been nothing short of remarkable.
Community members who wish to volunteer can continue to report to the staging area during daylight hours at 20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, OR 97380. Those unable to assist in person are encouraged to share official updates from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office via FlashAlert and their social media platforms to keep the public informed and vigilant.
Despite rampant speculation on social media, law enforcement officials have stated unequivocally that there is no current evidence of foul play or criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance. Authorities remain focused on the search, urging the public to avoid misinformation and continue supporting the rescue efforts in constructive ways.
How You Can Help
If you have any information or tips that could assist in finding Dane, please call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0669. Even the smallest detail could be critical in locating him.
As this search continues, our thoughts remain with Dane’s family, the search teams, and every volunteer working tirelessly to bring this sweet boy home. This is a moment when Oregon must stand together, lean on our collective strength, and do everything in our power to ensure that Dane is reunited with his loved ones.
For more information and updates continue to follow the FlashAlert page at flashalert.net/id/LCSO
