OR DANE PAULSEN: Missing from Siletz, OR - 1 March 2025 - Age 2 *Found Deceased*

Search on for 2-year-old Oregon boy who disappeared while playing in front yard

Authorities near Portland, Oregon said they were searching for a 2-year-old boy last seen playing in his home's front yard but out of sight of his parents.

www.cbsnews.com

Search on for 2-year-old Oregon boy who disappeared while playing in front yard​

Authorities in Oregon are searching for a 2-year-old boy last seen playing in his home's front yard but out of sight of his parents, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says.

Dane Paulsen was reported missing around 4:25 p.m. Saturday, the office said in a statement on social media.

Members of the sheriff's office and fire and police agencies searched the property and surrounding areas on foot and with drones with thermal imaging equipment Saturday, the office said.

On Sunday, search and rescue teams were conducting methodical searches of an area north of the small city of Siletz, near the Siletz River, using divers, drones, dogs and watercraft, the sheriff's office said. Volunteers who wanted to help were urged to stay out of the main search area.

Almost 300 people were involved in the search, the sheriff's office said.

As of Sunday evening, 382 acres had been searched and 283 miles covered, the office noted.

A vehicle and male driver Dane's parents didn't know who were spotted near Dane's home around the time he was last seen were found and were "no longer a point of interest," the office said Sunday evening.

The office said an Amber Alert hasn't been issued because Dane's "disappearance does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system," adding that, "There is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident."

"Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles," the sheriff's office pointed out.


media: DANE PAULSEN: Missing from Siletz, OR - 1 March 2025 - Age 2

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Horror as Oregon boy, 2, vanishes from yard where he was playing

A sprawling search is underway for Dane Paulsen, who was was wearing a gray fuzzy hoodie with ears when he disappeared.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Sheriff's office hopes to bring in fresh search crews Monday for 2-year-old Siletz boy missing since Saturday afternoon • YachatsNews.com

This story was updated at 10 p.m. Sunday with new developments from Sunday’s search By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office hopes to bring in more and […]

yachatsnews.com

Sheriff’s office hopes to bring in fresh search crews Monday for 2-year-old Siletz boy missing since Saturday afternoon​

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office hopes to bring in more and fresh search teams from around Oregon on Monday as they race against time to find a 2½-year-old boy missing from property along the Siletz River since Saturday afternoon.

They are searching for Dane Paulsen, whose parents told Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies that he was last seen at 4:25 p.m. Saturday playing in the front yard of their house at 20738 Siletz River Highway, four miles north of the town of Siletz.

A search Saturday night and again on Sunday with deputies, four search and rescue teams, police from six other departments and more than 100 volunteers found no trace of the boy.

Dane – who has brown hair and green eyes — was wearing a gray, fuzzy hooded fleece coat with teddy bear ears, black pants and blue and white shoes, the sheriff’s office said.

More than 100 Siletz community members also helped search Saturday evening, but on Sunday were asked to stay out of the primary search area which consisted of a three-mile radius around the house and nine-acre property. Instead they gathered at a campground on the north side of the Siletz River and helped search outside of the main area of interest.


One major mysterious element of the search was eliminated Sunday, the sheriff’s office said Sunday night.

A station wagon and man, both unfamiliar to the Paulsen family, were seen near Ojalla Bridge near the family’s property about 30 minutes before Dane’s disappearance, the sheriff’s office said. After alerts on Facebook by the family and police notification, a person who saw the notices and the car called police Sunday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies found the car and man and determined he was not a person of interest, said Shanks.

“There is no hard evidence that makes this a criminal investigation,” Shanks told YachatsNews on Sunday night.

Shanks said there was never a direct link of the vehicle to the boy’s disappearance, no suspect and no license plate – so therefore it did not meet the criteria to use the statewide Amber Alert system.

Dane’s parents, who the sheriff’s office has not yet named publicly, are fully cooperating with investigators and searchers, Shanks said, and giving full access to their home and property.

 

[Kimster]

This case is ALL over the news here. I'm very familiar with the area as I've been there more times than I can count. There is water EVERYWHERE and is not far from the Pacific Ocean.

He's been gone so long that I fear the worst.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

This case is ALL over the news here. I'm very familiar with the area as I've been there more times than I can count. There is water EVERYWHERE and is not far from the Pacific Ocean.

He's been gone so long that I fear the worst.

I fear he's in the river as well. Hopefully they can find him.

 

[GrandmaBear]

So basically they are right on the river more or less as to where they reside. A 2 year old unsupervised.

Who last saw him? There are independent sightings I'd hope?

Prayers for his safety.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Search for missing 2-year-old intensifies in Oregon

The search for a 2-year-old toddler who went missing from his residence in Siletz, Oregon continued into Monday.

kpic.com

Search for missing Oregon toddler continues on land, river
The search for a 2-year-old toddler who went missing from his residence in Siletz, Oregon continued into Monday.

Dane was last seen playing in the front yard of his home, out of sight of his parents. Officials described him as 'friendly and fearless," and comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. "Dane is known to love water and vehicles," authorities said in a statement.


A vehicle and an adult male, unknown to the family, were spotted near a bridge close to the residence about 30 minutes before Dane went missing. However, after investigation, they are no longer considered points of interest.

During a press conference on March 2, the spokesperson elaborated their decision not to push out an Amber Alert, saying they didn't believe criminal actions were involved, and the case did not meet the criteria for an alert.


Authorities have so far covered 382 acres and 283 miles in their search efforts, deploying 88 certified search and rescue members, four watercraft, four divers, four drones, six human trailing K9s, 40 investigators, and 138 community volunteers. Despite the extensive search, Dane remains missing.

"Search and Rescue teams continue to conduct methodical searches of this area. Several resources, including aerial drones, tracking canines, watercraft, and human behavior tracking resources are currently deployed. Those wishing to assist can stage at the Elks Campground. The park host will be the point of contact to direct volunteer search parties," officials said in an update.


The Lincoln County Major Crime Team and the FBI are assisting with investigative leads, although there is no evidence to suggest criminal actions are involved. Resources for the family are being provided by the FBI's Victim Services Division.

 

[Kimster]

Being close to the water is bad enough, but this time of year there are pools of water that aren’t showing in the Google Earth map. I consider that area almost swamp-like, but it’s too cold to be a swamp like most might picture.

 

[GrandmaBear]

They live basically right next to the river on what was it, 9 acres? Yet he was last seen in the front yard not taking off through the property, and a car was mentioned. The parents saw the car then but were not watching him when he disappeared though? Or maybe it wasn't the parents that saw the car, it isn't clear on who saw it actually. I wonder how they can clear a person for certain in such a circumstance?

I think the car should really be left out of future articles. IF the person is truly cleared and not a suspect, it isn't deserved.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/siletz-boy-dane-paulsen-missing-search-day-3-03042025/

‘Evidence shows Dane was at Siletz River’s edge’​

After three intense days of searching for a missing 2-year-old in Siletz, officials said Dane Paulsen has not yet been found despite efforts on the ground, by air and in the water.

Dane was last seen around 4:30 p.m. March 1 in his parents’ front yard near Milepost 21 on Hwy 229 in Siletz.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Lincoln County Sgt. Jason Spano said that going forward they will concentrate on a very focused area.

“So far the evidence available indicates Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance,” Spano said. “Because of this, we will be focusing the majority of our ongoing resources on searching the Siletz River.”

He added they will search the river with drones, divers, watercraft and K9s plus a “sign cutter” using a tracking technique to find and follow sings left behind by people or animals.

But Spano added they will continue to look on land because the “thick, rough forest terrain” means it’s possible to miss locating someone.

Officials in Lincoln County said the “search has utilized every tool we’ve been able to employ including, but not limited to additional personnel and volunteers, drones, K9s, thermal imaging, night-vision, watercraft, divers, and more.”

Since the search began, officials said, they’ve covered 682 acres and covered 341 walking miles looking for the boy. Divers have searched 2 miles of the Siletz River and nearly 200 tips have been checked out.

Sheriff Adam Shanks said more than 200 volunteers from Oregon and other states responded to help in the search.

Within a day of the search, investigators said there is “no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident.”

 

[Kimster]

I wonder if they found one of his toys by the river. How heartbreaking!

 

[GrandmaBear]

Very curious what a "sign cutter" is.

Clearly they have something near the river's edge. Toy, footprint, shoe, something.

I looked up the property address and sure enough it is right on the river. The road leads right down to the river or goes over it. Their property would as well but he was last seen in the front yard. Probably walked where sadly maybe the family has many a time right to the river. Said to love water so I mean they'd likely had him there more than once. And they are ON the river.

I don't think we are talking miles or major wandering. At 2 to 3, they can get to where they know that is close by, not much further with knowledge imo, if an area unknown or lost in the woods, that's different.

Not wording it well, what I mean is I think he walked directly to somewhere nearby he knew the route to. He didn't just wander off through the property or in some other direction. At least for me, I'd have been scared to at that age. But to go in the areas I was used to I wouldn't have been, that were close by.

I'm not blaming nor anything else, I just at this point simply think he walked right to where he knew that was close by. Assuming of course what we know is all fact and he disappeared when said.

I'd still like to hear when last seen independently but I want that in all cases, it is not specific to this one.

When my oldest was two, we lived in a rental that was right on a big lake. She would have NEVER been outside alone and wasn't. Never once did I ever either take her down to the lake. And I was a young mother, very naive looking back, but I can say I never did that. Now if she'd gotten out, I would have never let her out alone, could she have wandered and ended up there or on the road? Of course. That's why you always have them with you, you don't do that, etc. It sounds judgy I know but man, he's TWO. We all learn real fast you can't leave a one, two, three your old alone for a second and you'd better be being careful yet at 4, 5 and beyond.

I'm talking too much this morning and don't mean anything by it. This is going to have a sad outcome and I am sad for the parents too if this was just a moment of his not being supervised. It can happen no doubt. We aren't superhuman and can lapse. We see it time after time in case after case.

Still praying but have little faith in his being found alive, just hopeful he will be found.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Search continues for missing Oregon toddler Dane Paulsen, 'highlighting Siletz River'

The search for a missing two-year-old Oregon boy continued Wednesday as crews shifted the focus to a more concentrated area "highlighting the Siletz River," th

katu.com

Search continues for missing Oregon toddler Dane Paulsen, 'highlighting Siletz River'
The search for a missing two-year-old Oregon boy continued Wednesday as crews shifted the focus to a more concentrated area "highlighting the Siletz River," the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says.

Dane Paulsen disappeared from his family's front yard on Saturday. Search crews have combed hundreds of miles on land and in the water, but there’s still no sign of him.

Lincoln County residents and the surrounding communities have shown their support by helping search, sharing official updates, reporting tips, and offering food or other accommodations to responders.

One volunteer tells us the task and the terrain are difficult.

"There's grown men out here who hike and hunt, and that's what they do for their living, and they're coming back beat up and cold and tired and exhausted after looking and looking and looking for this kid,” the volunteer, who did not give us his name, said.

Officials are urging the public to avoid searching on their own, especially at night.



Volunteers interested in helping out the efforts are asked to gather at the Elks Toketee Illahee Campground - 20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, Oregon 97380

If community members choose to continue their search (in addition to emergency responders), keep these things in mind:

• Please avoid areas with active searching by emergency responders or certified personnel.
• Do not search during the night or dark hours.
• Carry safety equipment such as first aid kit, extra water and food, whistle, flashlight, etc.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Wear layers, bring waterproof clothes, and sturdy shoes.
• If you are choosing to search the river or riverbanks, wear a life jacket.
• Before you set out, have a safety plan in place. Let someone know exactly where you are headed and when you will return.
• Remember that private property cannot be searched without updated permission from the owner.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

New evidence in search for missing 2-year-old boy

The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in Oregon continues as new evidence emerges.

mynorthwest.com

New evidence uncovered: Search for 2-year-old Oregon boy enters 6th day​

The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who went missing from his Siletz home, has entered its sixth day with no sign of the young boy.

The Lincoln County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office has shifted its search to the nearby Siletz River after finding evidence suggesting Paulsen may have been near the river’s edge before he disappeared.

“We express empathy for Dane’s family. We also want to thank our community for their compassion and assistance,” said a spokesperson with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. “Our teams are working to bring Dane home.”


Paulsen was reported missing on March 1 after he was seen playing at his house near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway. However, deputies now say that Paulsen was not in his parents’ line of sight when he went missing.

Several local agencies joined the search, including law enforcement from Clackamas, Polk, and Lane counties, as well as Oregon State Police.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Jason Spano of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the search was focusing on the Siletz River, with deputies deploying drones, divers, boats, and K9s.

“So far the evidence available indicates Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance,” said Spano. “Because of this, we will be focusing the majority of our ongoing resources on searching the Siletz River.”

Paulsen was last seen wearing a gray fuzzy hoodie with ears, blue and white shoes, and black pants.

 

[Kimster]

The sun is shining inland, so hopefully they will get a clear view of the area today.

 

[GrandmaBear]

However "now" deputies say he wasn't in his parents' line of sight. That's been said from the beginning I think... That isn't new news. In fact it made me wonder who noted the car because was it the parents? Because they didnt' see him take off. In fact, it's been a thing in almost every article, that he was out of their sight and supervision.

Just keeping things clear. Interesting an article says "now" they say when they already had, and they keep repeating it.

 

[Kimster]

I can confirm that almost every newscast I’ve heard here, and I’ve heard a lot, says he was unattended when he was playing.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I can confirm that almost every newscast I’ve heard here, and I’ve heard a lot, says he was unattended when he was playing.

Exactly. A little tiny word like adding a "now" can make such a difference.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Search for missing 2-year-old Dane Paulsen continues

The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who went missing on March 1 in Lincoln County, is still ongoing. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, alongside multiple agencies, continues to follow up on tips and conduct daily searches.

www.kdrv.com

Search for missing 2-year-old Dane Paulsen continues​

The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who went missing on March 1 in Lincoln County, is still ongoing. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, alongside multiple agencies, continues to follow up on tips and conduct daily searches.

Efforts have focused on the Siletz River, where boats with specialized equipment are running methodical searches. On March 7, 2025, a boat covered approximately 14 miles of the river. Additionally, underwater sonar and remotely operated vehicles with cameras are being used to search submerged areas. Local community members are also aiding in the search with personal watercraft.

The sheriff's office has emphasized that there is currently no evidence of criminal activity surrounding Dane's disappearance. They are asking the public to report any relevant information to the tip line at 541-265-0669. Investigators request as many specifics as possible, including exact locations, times, and any clear photos or videos.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I'm still waiting to hear of the last independent sighting of this child (other than family). I'm not leaning any certain way, I want that in every case. If anyone hears of such, I think it would be good to add it to the thread. Did the home have security cams, that would be another way of possible last sighting independently verified. Even IF he is found in the river, this info needs to be shared with the public at some point.

Still praying for this little one but don't have any hope really that he's alive.