Searchers Focus on River Near Where 2-Year-Old Oregon Boy Went Missing

Mar. 15, 2025

Dane Paulson.Photo:Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Dane Paulson Oregon boy, 2, mysteriously vanished from front yard

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

In a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said that evidence suggests that Dane Paulsen was near the edge of the Siletz River before he disappeared.

“Based on the information from search efforts and following up on tips, we will now be concentrating on a very focused area,” Lincoln County Sheriff Sgt. Jason Spano said. “So far, the evidence available indicates that Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance.”

Paulsen was last seen “out of sight of his parents,” playing in the front yard of his residence north of Siletz, Ore., on Saturday, March 1, at approximately 4:25 p.m. local time, the sheriff’s office previously said.

The family’s home is situated on the banks of the river, according to theStatesman Journal.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As of Tuesday, the search had spanned close to 700 acres and more than 340 miles, authorities said.

“Dane’s disappearance is absolutely heartbreaking,” Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks said during a press conference on Tuesday. “His family is experiencing unimaginable pain. As a parent myself, my heart is broken just seeing what they are going through.”

Shanks added, “We know this is a difficult time for Dane’s family, and we are doing everything we can to bring him home.”

Those who may have information regarding the boy’s disappearance are asked to call a tip line at 541-265-0669.

source: people.com