Portland, Oregon – Tragedy struck when 2-year-old Dane Paulsen was discovered deceased by a volunteer diver in the Siletz River, ten days after vanishing from his family’s property near Siletz, north of Oregon’s coast.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, noting that Dane was found nearly three miles downstream from where he was last seen. The community came together in a massive search effort, which involved hundreds of volunteers, emergency responders from various law enforcement agencies, and specialized equipment such as dogs, drones, and watercraft.
Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his condolences to the Paulsen family during this difficult time, recognizing the unwavering dedication shown by search teams and the community in the search for Dane. The emotional toll of the heartbreaking outcome was felt deeply by all involved in the search and rescue efforts.
After a two-hour dive in the cold waters of the Siletz River, search and recovery diving instructor Juan Heredia located Dane at the river bottom, bringing closure to the family’s agonizing wait for answers. Heredia’s decision to cut short his vacation in Mexico to assist in the search underscored the unwavering commitment of volunteers and first responders to support those in need, even in the face of heartbreaking outcomes.
Following the tragic discovery, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Dane’s relatives to provide financial assistance to the grieving Paulsen family, raising nearly $20,000. The community’s outpouring of support serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity and compassion in times of adversity, as neighbors and strangers come together to support a family in mourning.
As the Siletz River now stands as a site of both tragedy and community resilience, the memory of young Dane Paulsen will live on as a testament to the strength and unity of a community united in compassion and support. The painful loss of a young life serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of existence and the importance of coming together in times of grief.