Dan Paulsen | Source: Facebook/lincolncountysheriff
Authorities Confirm Heartbreaking Discovery of Missing Toddler After Extensive Search
After an exhaustive nearly two-week search, authorities confirmed on March 11 that the body of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen was found in Oregon’s Siletz River, approximately three miles downstream from his family’s property. The toddler had been missing since March 1.
Aerial view of bedforms and dunes at Siletz Bay estuary, Oregon, with Siletz River in the background on July 23, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
“Tragically, he was found deceased,” the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a Facebook press release. Authorities stated that investigators are processing the scene in collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further details are available at this time.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported that volunteer diver Juan Heredia from the Angels Recovery Dive Team played a crucial role in the search after reaching out to authorities. With guidance from a local river expert, he explored areas downstream from those previously searched by sheriff’s office divers and located the child at approximately 11:13 a.m.
Following the heartbreaking discovery, officials expressed their deep condolences. “Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” Sheriff Adam Shanks said.
Sheriff Adam Shanks also expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication of search teams and community members throughout the difficult search, while mourning the tragic outcome. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Dane Paulsen’s family has been notified.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to allow them the space and time they need to grieve,” the statement urged.
Before Dane Paulsen was found, authorities launched a massive search effort, enlisting multiple agencies, search and rescue teams, and dedicated community volunteers. In a March 2 press release, the sheriff’s office reported that within the first 24 hours, teams had covered 382 acres and 283 miles using drones, K9 units, divers, and watercraft in a relentless attempt to locate the missing toddler.
Early in the investigation, authorities pursued a lead involving an unfamiliar vehicle and an adult male seen near a bridge close to the family’s home around the time Dane Paulsen went missing. However, after following up on a community tip, investigators located both the individual and the vehicle, ultimately determining they were “no longer a point of interest.”
The sheriff’s office explained that Dane Paulsen’s disappearance did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert but assured the public that updates would be shared through FlashAlert and social media. Authorities also stated that, at the time, there was no evidence of criminal activity.
The tragic discovery of Dane Paulsen’s body comes as another search effort is underway for a university student who went missing after an early morning walk abroad.
As reported on March 10, 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia, disappeared while on a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. Authorities say she was last seen early Thursday morning near the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana.
Konanki had been traveling with five other female students from her university and was staying at the Riu República Hotel, a popular resort among spring breakers. According to her father, she had told friends on March 6 that she planned to attend a party at the resort.
Surveillance footage revealed that Konanki, along with seven others — five women and two American men — headed to the beach at 4:15 a.m. Later footage showed five women and one man leaving the beach around 5:55 a.m., while Konanki stayed behind with one of the men.
Another security camera captured the same man leaving the beach alone at 9:55 a.m.—four hours later—without any sign of Konanki. Her friends reported her missing at 4 p.m. Thursday, approximately 12 hours after she was last seen. Local authorities have since launched an active search, reviewing surveillance footage and questioning those who were with Konanki at the time.
The Dominican National Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have interviewed the young man last seen with Konanki to determine what happened and have expanded their inquiry to verify his statements. Police are also questioning others who were present on the beach that morning.
The Dominican Navy, Civil Defense, National Emergency System, and Tourism Police have joined the search efforts, deploying drones, helicopters, and ground teams to scour the coastal area, nearby bay, and wooded regions.
“So far, the authorities—multiple agencies here in the Dominican Republic—have searched the waters, using helicopters and other tools. They’ve also searched the nearby bay, bushes, and trees, making multiple passes over the same areas,” said Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki.
Friends and family have reached out to the media, urgently pleading for any information that could assist in locating Konanki. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has called on authorities to explore all possibilities, expressing disbelief that she simply disappeared into the water. He has also urged officials to consider the potential of kidnapping or human trafficking as part of their investigation.
The University of Pittsburgh has expressed deep concern over Konanki’s disappearance and has been in contact with her family. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where her family resides, has been coordinating efforts with federal law enforcement, the U.S. State Department, and Dominican authorities.
The Riu hotel chain, where Konanki was staying, also released a statement offering its assistance in the search. “The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest priority, and we are committed to doing everything possible to assist in this situation,” they said.
Tourists enjoy a beach in the Dominican Republic, on January 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The U.S. Embassy has not yet issued a formal statement, but updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Konanki’s whereabouts to come forward. As search teams continue their tireless efforts, family, friends, and the public hold onto hope for her safe return.