Local News
Missing Oregon Toddler Dane Paulsen Found Deceased in Siletz River
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has confirmed that Dane Paulsen, a two-year-old reported missing in early March, has been found deceased.
According to authorities, Dane’s body was recovered Tuesday morning at approximately 11:13 a.m. in the Siletz River, about three miles downstream from his family’s property.
The discovery was made after Juan Heredia, a member of Angels Recovery Dive Team, was guided onto the river by a local expert following coordination with the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Adam Shanks expressed his condolences to the grieving family, stating,
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow. 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.”
LCSO investigators are currently processing the scene in collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Further details regarding the circumstances of Dane’s disappearance and passing have not yet been released.
Authorities commend the efforts of search teams, volunteers, and local community members who assisted in the search.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.