Dane Paulsen’s Parents, Chamet and Aaron Paulsen, Still Await News Of Their Toddler’s Whereabouts

Siletz River, Oregon: Dane Paulsen, a 2-year-old toddler, has been missing since March 1, 2025, and an extensive search operation is ongoing.

His parents, Chamet and Aaron Paulsen, worry about his well-being, and hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and specialized search teams are working tirelessly to locate him.

Highlights

• Dane Paulsen is a 2-year-old toddler who has been missing since March 1, 2025, while playing in his front yard.
• His parents, Chamet and Aaron Paulsen, business owners and coastal community members, await news of their son’s whereabouts.
• He has brown hair and green eyes and wore a gray fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes during his disappearance.

Dane Paulsen was playing in his front yard in the late afternoon when he disappeared into the dense forests and riverlands of Lincoln County. His family didn’t have a fence separating the river and the property.

The search team has investigated at least 195 leads and tips. They searched for the missing toddler using advanced search techniques in the Siletz area. 

Over the past four days, rescuers have covered 682 acres, traversed 341 walking miles, and deployed extensive resources to locate him, including drones, divers, K9 units, and thermal imaging equipment.

Sergeant Jason Spano noted that evidence suggests Dane was last seen near the Siletz River’s edge, and specialized search teams have been concentrated around the river.

Moreover, he addressed that it is possible to miss locating a person, especially a small child hidden by thick brush with thick and rough forest terrain.

This search is absolutely heartbreaking. As a parent myself, my heart is broken, seeing what Dane’s family is going through.

Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks during a media press conference on Tuesday.

Dane Paulsen’s Parents Are Devasted Due To The Missing Toddler

Dane Paulsen’s parents, Chamet and Aaron Paulsen, await news of their son’s whereabouts, and the community remains hopeful of bringing the missing toddler home.

They are living every parent’s worst nightmare as their beloved toddler has gone missing, leaving the family devastated and the community in shock.

Dane Paulsen’s parents are business owners and members of the coastal community. They are heartbroken as they search for their missing son and immediately alert authorities to launch a massive search effort.

Despite their efforts, days passed with no sign of Dane, leaving his parents in a state of anguish and despair. Currently, there is no proof that the incident involved any criminal activity.

If you have information related to Dane’s disappearance, we ask that you report it to the tip line at 541-265-0669. Be as specific as possible, noting time, exact location, and providing clear photos or videos when possible.

Dane has brown hair and green eyes. He is friendly, fearless, and comfortable around strangers and water. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a gray fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes.

Authorities encouraged the community not to search during the evening hours due to decreased visibility and increased risk of injury. However, they can help by sharing FlashAlert official updates and reporting relevant information to the tip line: 541-265-0669.

The community couldn’t imagine the pain the Paulsen family has been going through, and they want to be out there and help as much as possible. 

Officials have searched hundreds of acres, but the missing toddler has not yet been found. However, they hoped to see Dane and bring him home to his family.

Additional Information

• The Elks Toketee Illahee campground has been a staging area for over 200 volunteers from Lincoln County and surrounding states who have assisted in the search.
• An Amber Alert hasn’t been issued as the disappearance doesn’t meet Oregon’s criteria. 
• Investigators initially viewed a late 1990s station wagon as a vehicle of interest but later ruled it out after finding the car and its driver unrelated to the case.