SILETZ, Ore. — The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen has entered its second week as authorities and community members refuse to give up hope of finding the missing toddler. Dane disappeared on Saturday, March 1, while playing in the front yard of his Siletz home, located approximately 100 feet from the Siletz River.
As of Sunday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate all leads. They still maintain there is no evidence suggesting criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance.
Earlier in the investigation, authorities had identified a late 1990s station wagon as a vehicle of interest seen in the area before Dane went missing. However, investigators located the vehicle and its owner, determining they are no longer relevant to the investigation.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, have joined the search effort, deploying divers, K-9 units, and drones with thermal imaging equipment.
- Approximately 4:30 PM: Dane Paulsen was last seen playing in the front yard of his home in Siletz, Oregon.
- Evening: Initial search begins by family and local authorities after Dane is reported missing.
- Search command post established at a boat launch across the Siletz River.
- Multiple agencies join search efforts, including divers, K-9 units, and drones with thermal imaging.
- Sheriff’s Office holds first media briefing, stating no evidence of criminal activity at that time.
- Authorities identify a late 90’s station wagon as a vehicle of interest.
- Hundreds of volunteers from across the Pacific Northwest join the search.
- Sheriff’s Office confirms the previously identified vehicle of interest has been located and cleared.
- FBI joins the investigation and search efforts.
- Search operations continue daily with specialized equipment and personnel.
- Community search efforts expand alongside official operations.
- Underwater search methods intensify, focusing on the Siletz River.
- Search boats cover approximately 14 miles of the Siletz River.
- Underwater sonar and remote vehicles with cameras deployed.
- Sheriff’s Office issues update confirming search operations will continue until further notice.
- Daily water searches ongoing, utilizing specialized equipment and trained personnel.
- Sheriff’s Office issues update confirming that they will continue following up on leads, tips from community
- Search operations, daily water searches ongoing, utilizing specialized equipment and trained personnel.
- Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a white van seen in the area two weeks prior to Dane’s disappearance, and so far there’s no evidence linking the van to him.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, search operations have intensified with specialized equipment and trained personnel now focusing heavily on the Siletz River and surrounding areas.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that daily water searches will continue until further notice, with operations including:
- Boats conducting methodical searches over extended river sections
- Watercraft equipped with underwater sonar technology
- Underwater drones and remotely operated vehicles with cameras
- Community volunteers with personal watercraft extending the search area to include the lower Siletz River
The disappearance of the brown-haired, green-eyed toddler has galvanized the community, with hundreds of volunteers from across the Pacific Northwest joining the search effort.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office said Friday it had deployed members of the Coos County Search and Rescue (SAR) Team to assist in the search.
Dane was last seen wearing a grey fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes. He is described by family members as friendly, fearless, and comfortable around both strangers and water.
The Sheriff’s Office urges community members who wish to assist in the search to:
- Share only official updates from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office FlashAlert and Facebook page
- Report any relevant information to the dedicated tip line: 541-265-0669
- Submit all tips directly to the tip line rather than through social media to ensure prompt review
- Provide specific details when sharing information, including exact time, location, and clear photos or videos when possible
For those participating in independent search efforts, authorities stress safety precautions:
- Always wear a life jacket when near the river
- Avoid areas with active emergency responder operations
- Refrain from searching during nighttime hours
- Carry appropriate safety equipment
- Dress for weather and terrain conditions
- Establish a safety plan and inform others of your search location and expected return time
- Respect private property boundaries
Anyone with information about Dane’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0669.
