SILETZ, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) – Oregon authorities say a toddler drowned in a river earlier this month after he went missing for over a week.
Thursday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said the medical examiner confirmed 2-year-old Dane Paulsen died by drowning.
Earlier this week, the sheriff’s office said its week-long search had ended for the missing boy after his body was found in the Siletz River.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks said. “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.”
Authorities said Tuesday that Dane’s body was found in the river about three miles downstream from the family’s home.
The sheriff’s office credited Juan Heredia with Angels Recovery Dive Team with finding the boy’s body after he volunteered to help with the search.
“After connecting with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jaun was escorted onto the river by a local river guide and began searching the areas of the Siletz River downstream,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Dane’s footprints were found leading to the river’s edge, where they ended. Which is what led investigators to focus their search on the Siletz River.
Heredia said the boy’s body was found about six feet underwater.
Dane was declared missing on the afternoon of March 1, after he was last seen in his family’s yard near the river.
Law enforcement officials said at a news conference Thursday that no criminal charges have been filed as the case remains under review with the district attorney.
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