(March 5, 2025 – 2:45pm) – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies are continuing search operations for Dane Paulsen. Investigators continue to follow up on informational tips. Below is a comprehensive update on the full operation, what has been accomplished, and plans for continuing efforts to bring Dane home.
Dane’s Disappearance
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at approximately 4:25 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a missing 2-year-old male, Dane Paulsen. At the time of his disappearance, Dane was reported to be playing in the yard of the residence located near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway in Siletz, Oregon. Dane was wearing a grey fuzzy hoody with ears, blue and white shoes, and black pants. He has brown hair and green eyes.
A gold, 1990’s station wagon was seen in the area before Dane went missing and was initially listed as a vehicle of interest. Between law enforcement and community tips, the vehicle and driver were located on March 2nd. After officials thoroughly interviewed and investigated both the driver and car, they were found to be unrelated to Dane’s disappearance and are no longer a point of interest in this operation.
Initial Search Efforts
Upon notification of Dane’s disappearance, members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Siletz Valley Fire, Oregon State Police, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded to the scene. Investigators interviewed Dane’s parents and emergency personnel immediately began searching the residential property and surrounding areas. In addition to ground searches, aerial drones with thermal imaging also allowed responders to widen the initial (and ongoing) search. Officials, Sheriff’s Office volunteers from Search and Rescue and the Mounted Posse searched the property and surrounding area. This search included the home and structures, neighboring properties, nearby roads, rough terrain including forested areas with thick, dense brush, and portions of the Siletz River and riverbanks.
In addition to official agencies and their volunteer groups, community volunteers showed up in mass to help search. The Elks Toketee Illahee Campground Host took the lead to organize community volunteers to help lead additional efforts from Saturday, March 1st through Tuesday, March 4th.
Although official search operations continued during the evenings and dark hours, community volunteers were encouraged to pause their search due to safety concerns related to visibility and navigation made worse in the rough terrain.
Overall Search Efforts:
Since the initial notification, search efforts have continued. Here is a snapshot of what has been covered so far.
– Between emergency responders and community members, 682 acres and 341 cumulative walking miles have been covered by ground searchers.
– Marine enforcement teams from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and partnering sheriff’s offices have searched 14 miles of the Siletz River by boat. At least 4 watercrafts have been utilized and 22 divers have searched a 2 mile stretch of the river.
– 40 Investigators have followed up on at least 195 tips and leads. Many of these tips led to action including further follow up, interviews, evidence collection, reviewing photos and video footage, and other investigative actions. At least 119 tips from the tip line have been received and reviewed.
– More than 200 community volunteers reported to the volunteer staging area coordinated by the Elks Campground Host to assist with the search.
– Specialized equipment, highly trained personnel, and subject matter experts have been active.
– – Approximately 88 certified Search and Rescue Members.
– – 2 Mounted Posse volunteers.
– – 4 drones with certified operators. Some of these drones included thermal imaging.
– – A Sign Cutter, which is a highly trained individual that uses tracking techniques to find and follow signs left behind by people or animals.
– – 6 human trailing canines (K9s). This includes specialized K9s for water searches, human scent K9s (which can focus on one scent and track accordingly), and human remains detection K9s.
– Supporting emergency responders from:
– – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
– – – Patrol
– – -Investigations
– – -Marine
– – -Administration
– – -Community Services
– – -Emergency Management
– – -Search and Rescue
– – -Mounted Posse
– – 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
– – 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
Ongoing Efforts
The terrain in the overall search area includes surrounding properties, forested, rough terrain, and the Siletz River and riverbanks. Due to a thorough search and coverage of these areas, search operations will now be focusing on a more concentrated area, highlighting the Siletz River. Emergency responders have had watercraft searching the river since the morning of Sunday, March 2nd and divers began searching the river on Monday, March 3rd. With the surrounding land being as thoroughly searched as possible, evidence has indicated the need to concentrate further search efforts on the Siletz River.
Though the land within the search area has been thoroughly combed, we cannot guarantee the areas are clear. Even with specialized equipment and search K9s, it is possible to miss a small child that may be hidden by thick brush or other visual impairments.
Although there is currently no evidence to suggest criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance, investigators continue to review tips reported to the tip line.
Community members and the media can expect updates as significant information becomes available.
How Community Members Can Help:
– Share official updates found on the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office FlashAlert and Facebook page.
– Currently there is no evidence to suggest criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance. We still ask the public to report relevant information to the tip line: 541-265-0669. When sharing information that may help us bring Dane home, be as specific as possible. Note the time, exact location, and get clear photos or videos when possible.
– Although the Elks Toketee Illahee Campground Host is no longer able to organize community volunteers, volunteers may choose to gather at the campground to continue their own efforts: 20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, Oregon 97380
– If community members choose to continue their search (in addition to emergency responders), keep these things in mind:
– – Please avoid areas with active searching by emergency responders or certified personnel.
– – Do not search during the night or dark hours.
– – Carry safety equipment such as first aid kit, extra water and food, whistle, flashlight, etc.
– – Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Wear layers, bring waterproof clothes, and sturdy shoes.
– – If you are choosing to search the river or riverbanks, wear a life jacket.
– – Before you set out, have a safety plan in place. Let someone know exactly where you are headed and when you will return.
– – Remember that private property cannot be searched without updated permission from the owner.
Updates will continue to be shared through FlashAlert and our Facebook page as significant updates become available.
Once again, we express empathy for Dane’s family. We also want to thank our community for their compassion and assistance. Our teams are working to bring Dane home.
