A missing toddler has been found after an extensive search, authorities announced on social media, marking a heartbreaking outcome to a case that gripped the community.
After nearly two weeks of searching, authorities confirmed on March 11 that they discovered 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in Oregon’s Siletz River, about three miles downstream from his family’s property. He had been missing since March 1.
“Sadly, he was found deceased,” the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced in a Facebook press release, adding that investigators are processing the scene in coordination with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials said no further details are available at this time.
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According to the sheriff’s office, volunteer diver Juan Heredia from Angels Recovery Dive Team assisted in the search after connecting with authorities. Guided by a local river expert, he searched areas downstream from locations already covered by sheriff’s office divers and discovered the child at approximately 11:13 a.m.
Following the discovery, authorities expressed sadness over the loss. “Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Sheriff Adam Shanks said.
He also expressed gratitude for the dedication of search teams and community members during the challenging search, while lamenting the tragic outcome. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Paulsen’s family has been notified.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to respect their need for space and time to grieve,” the statement read.
Before Paulsen was found, authorities carried out a large search effort with help from multiple agencies, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. In a March 2 press release, the sheriff’s office said teams had searched 382 acres and 283 miles in the first 24 hours, using drones, K9 units, divers, and watercraft.
Investigators initially looked into a report of an unfamiliar vehicle and an adult male spotted near a bridge close to the family’s home around the time Paulsen went missing. However, after following up on a community tip, authorities located both the individual and the vehicle, later determining they were “no longer a point of interest.”
The sheriff’s office stated that Paulsen’s disappearance did not qualify for an Amber Alert, but updates would be provided through FlashAlert and social media. They also noted that there was no evidence of criminal activity at that time.
The tragic discovery of Paulsen’s b:ody comes as another search effort unfolds — this time for a university student who disappeared after an early morning walk abroad.
Source: news.amomama.com