Dad Was ‘Binge Watching’ TV When His Son, 2, Went Outside ‘Alone.’ Boy Was Later Found Dead in River: D.A. Says

Tragic circumstances surround the untimely death of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, whose body was recovered from the Siletz River on March 11, 2025, following an extensive 10-day search. Investigators have disclosed harrowing details regarding the events leading up to the young boy’s disappearance, which has profoundly affected his family and the wider community.

On the day Dane went missing, his father, Aaron Paulsen, was reportedly engrossed in watching television on his phone. According to court documents obtained by local news outlets, Aaron witnessed his son leave the safety of their home through a sliding glass door without expressing any signs of fear or hesitance about venturing outside. The incident occurred while Dane’s mother, Chamet Jackson, was preoccupied with chores just outside their trailer.

Chamet recalled hearing her son outside while she cleaned but did not immediately go to check on him, continuing with her tasks instead. Approximately 15 minutes elapsed before she realised her toddler was unaccounted for, prompting her to search for him. It was during this search that a fisherman nearby heard pleas for assistance, leading him to call 911 and initiate an urgent response.

As details emerged, it became clear that the property where the Paulsen family lived had a pathway that led to the river. Aaron and Chamet informed authorities that their son was not afraid of water but lacked swimming skills, raising concerns about his safety.

Following the alarm raised by the fisherman, the search effort for Dane intensified, involving local law enforcement, the Oregon State Police, the FBI, and nearly 150 volunteers from the community. Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his gratitude for the support shown throughout the search, though lamented the circumstances under which it occurred.

Sadly, the search concluded with the discovery of Dane’s body approximately three miles downstream from his family’s home. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the findings in a statement, conveying their condolences to the bereaved family as they faced an “unbearable sorrow.”

The incident has sparked discussions about the supervision of young children, particularly in environments where there are potential hazards such as water bodies. Community members have voiced their grief and frustration over the tragic outcome, underscoring the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety.

As investigations continue, there remains an outpouring of support for the Paulsen family. Many members of the community have come together to extend their sympathies and aid in any way possible during this devastating time.

The circumstances surrounding Dane’s death are still under examination as authorities seek to understand the sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking incident. Meanwhile, local news outlets are working closely with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office to ensure accurate and sensitive reporting regarding the ongoing investigation.

This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness when it comes to child safety, particularly in relation to water-related activities and supervision practices.