Authorities in Oregon have confirmed the tragic discovery of a missing toddler after an extensive search that lasted more than a week.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday morning that they found the body of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in the Siletz River, approximately three miles downstream from his family’s property.
Officials said Juan Heredia, a member of Angels Recovery Dive Team, volunteered to assist the Paulsen family in searching the river along with a local guide. Law enforcement is now processing the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
The cause of death of the toddler has not yet been determined, and investigators are working closely with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dane was reported missing on March 1 at approximately 4:25 p.m. after he was last seen playing in the front yard of his home.
Authorities have also identified a late 1990s gold station wagon seen near the residence at the time of Dane’s disappearance as a “vehicle of interest.” However, Sheriff Adam Shanks told KATU-TV that there is currently no evidence linking the vehicle directly to the case.
The heartbreaking discovery has left the local community mourning as officials continue their efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.
On Monday, Democrat Governor Tina Kotek declared March 10 as “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day” in Oregon, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to expanding abortion access in the wake of post-Roe v. Wade restrictions in conservative-led states. The declaration comes as Oregon has seen a significant increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortions due to new restrictions in states such as Idaho, Texas, and Louisiana.
