A widespread search for a missing toddler has come to a sorrowful conclusion, officials revealed on social media, bringing an emotional end to a case that deeply affected the local community.
Following nearly fourteen days of relentless efforts, authorities announced on March 11 that 2-year-old Dane Paulsen was found in Oregon’s Siletz River, approximately three miles from his family’s home. The child had been reported 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 discovered deceased,” the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook press release, noting that investigators are examining the scene alongside the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities mentioned that no additional information is available at this moment.
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The sheriff’s office reported that volunteer diver Juan Heredia from the Angels Recovery Dive Team joined the search effort after coordinating with 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 around 11:13 a.m.
After the heartbreaking discovery, officials conveyed their condolences. “Our hearts go out to the family as they endure an unimaginable loss,” Sheriff Adam Shanks stated.
He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of search teams and community members throughout the difficult effort, while mourning the devastating outcome. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Paulsen’s family had been informed.
“In honor of the family’s privacy during this deeply painful time, we kindly ask the public and media to allow them the space and time they need to grieve,” the statement emphasized.
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Before Paulsen was located, officials launched an extensive search operation, collaborating with various agencies, rescue squads, and dedicated community members. In a March 2 statement, the sheriff’s department reported that within the first 24 hours, teams had covered 382 acres and 283 miles, utilizing drones, canine units, divers, and boats.
At the start of the investigation, authorities pursued a lead regarding an unknown vehicle and an adult male seen near a bridge close to the family’s residence around the time Paulsen disappeared. However, after receiving and investigating a community tip, they located both the man and the vehicle, ultimately determining they were “no longer a point of interest.”
The sheriff’s office explained that Paulsen’s case did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert but assured the public that updates would be shared through FlashAlert and social media. They also emphasized that, at the time, there was no indication of criminal involvement.
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The heartbreaking find of Paulsen’s body coincides with another ongoing search—this time for a college student who vanished after a pre-dawn walk overseas.
As of March 10, Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia, went missing while on a spring break getaway in the Dominican Republic. Officials report she was last spotted early Thursday morning near the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana.
Konanki was traveling with five other female classmates from her university and lodging at the Riu República Hotel, a well-known destination for spring breakers. According to her father, she informed her friends on March 6 that she intended to join a party at the resort.
Surveillance footage recorded Konanki alongside seven individuals—five women and two American men—heading toward the beach at 4:15 a.m. Later, the footage showed five women and one of the men departing the beach around 5:55 a.m., while Konanki stayed behind with the other man.
Another surveillance camera captured the same man walking away from the beach alone at 9:55 a.m.—four hours later—without any trace of Konanki. Her friends reported her missing at 4 p.m. on Thursday, roughly 12 hours after she was last spotted. Local authorities have launched an extensive search, analyzing security footage and interviewing those who were last with her.
The Dominican National Police confirmed the investigation remains active, and officials have questioned the young man seen with her to uncover what transpired. Investigators have expanded their probe to verify his claims and are also interviewing others who were there that morning.
The Dominican Navy, Civil Defense, National Emergency System, and Tourism Police are actively involved in the search efforts, utilizing drones, helicopters, and ground teams to thoroughly scan the coastal area, nearby bay, and surrounding wooded regions.
“So far, multiple authorities here in the Dominican Republic have conducted extensive searches in the water, using helicopters and various tools. They have also searched the nearby bay, dense brush, and wooded areas, repeatedly covering the same locations,” stated Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki.
Loved ones have reached out to the media, desperately seeking any information that could aid in finding her. Konanki’s father has pressed authorities to explore every possible lead, expressing doubt that she merely vanished into the water. He has also urged officials to investigate the possibility of kidnapping or human trafficking.
The University of Pittsburgh has voiced deep concern over Konanki’s disappearance and has remained in contact with her family. Meanwhile, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where her family resides, has been coordinating with federal law enforcement, the U.S. State Department, and Dominican authorities.
The Riu hotel chain, where Konanki had been staying, issued a statement affirming its support in the search efforts. “The safety and well-being of our guests are our top priority, and we are dedicated to doing everything in our power to assist in this situation,” the statement read.
Tourists enjoy a beach in the Dominican Republic, on January 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The U.S. Embassy has not yet released an official statement, but updates are anticipated as the investigation moves forward. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about Konanki’s whereabouts to step forward. As search efforts continue relentlessly, her family, friends, and the community remain hopeful for her safe return.