The search for a missing 2-year-old in Oregon came to a tragic end when authorities found his body in a river about three miles downstream from his home.
Dane Paulsen had been missing since March 1 around 4:25 p.m. Paulsen was playing in the yard at the time of his disappearance at his home north of Siletz.
"After an extensive search and investigation by local authorities, along with the help of community volunteers, Dane was found [March 11] at approximately 11:13 a.m. in the Siletz River approximately 3 miles downstream from the family's property. Sadly, he was found deceased," the Lincoln County Sheriff's office said in a statement.
Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team offered his dive services to the Paulsen family. Heredia, in coordination with law enforcement, began searching areas of the Siletz River downstream from where Sheriff's Office divers had already searched. Heredia was able to locate the body downstream from the residence.
Paulsen was the seventh body Heredia has recovered as a diver. He told KOIN-6 news that he was in Mexico when he heard about the case. When he returned, he drove 12 hours to volunteer for his services and experience.
"I saw his shoes; that was about it," Heredia told the station. "Every single one is heartbreaking, but it's a boy, 2 years, 3 years old — hard to believe."
The station reported that the medical examiner will determine Paulsen's cause of death. Previously, law enforcement has indicated that there was "no evidence to suggest criminal actions are involved."
"Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow," said Sheriff Adam Shanks. "We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication shown by the search teams and our communities throughout this difficult time, though we wish it was under different circumstances."
