The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians extend our deepest condolences to the family of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen. This tragic event has resulted in the loss of a valuable and loved family member.
Dane went missing on Saturday, March 1, 2025. After 10 days of searching by land, drone, and water, Dane was recovered from the Siletz River in the early afternoon of March 11, 2025.
The Tribe would like to thank the many community and tribal volunteers who quickly responded to the call for help, and searched hundreds of acres and riverbanks to find him.
We also express gratitude to the various task forces for their swift involvement in the search for Dane, including:
· Angels Recovery Dive Team
· Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
· Emergency responders
· Marine enforcement teams throughout the state
· Specialized equipment operators
· FBI
· Lincoln City Police Department
· Newport Police Department
· Oregon State Police
· Siletz Valley Fire
· Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit
· Mary’s Peak Search and Rescue
· Region 3 K9 units
· Benton County Sheriff’s Office
· Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
· Crook County Sheriff’s Office
· Coos County Sheriff’s Office
· Lane County Sheriff’s Office
· Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
· Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office
We applaud the efforts of each person who contributed in any way they could. While this is the worst thing anyone could imagine, we recognize the heart of living in a small community. The unity and strength of everyone involved, and the outpouring of love and dedication to the Paulsen family at this time, are genuine and truly invaluable.