A tragic conclusion to a nearly two-week search for missing 2-year-old Dane Paulsen was confirmed on March 11. Authorities announced that the child, who had been missing since March 1, was found deceased in the Siletz River, about three miles from his family’s property. “Sadly, he was found deceased,” the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office shared.

The search was aided by volunteer diver Juan Heredia from Angels Recovery Dive Team, who helped search areas not covered by sheriff’s office divers. At approximately 11:13 a.m., Heredia discovered the child’s body downstream.

Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his sorrow, saying, “Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow.” He also thanked the search teams and community members for their efforts.

The sheriff’s office stated that authorities are working with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office on the investigation. The family has been notified, and authorities urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time. “We ask the public and media to respect their need for space and time to grieve,” the statement concluded.