PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Dane Paulsen, the 2-year-old boy who disappeared from his Siletz home, is still missing — marking five days since he was last seen playing in his family’s yard.

Mysteries continue to swirl around the boy’s disappearance as Lincoln County deputies shift their search efforts to the Siletz River with evidence indicating that he

may have been at the river’s edge before he went missing.

“We express empathy for Dane’s family. We also want to thank our community for their compassion and assistance,” officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday. “Our teams are working to bring Dane home.”

Here’s everything we know about Dane’s disappearance as of Wednesday, March 5.

Day of Disappearance

Dane Paulsen was first reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, March 1 around 4:30 p.m. 

“At the time of his disappearance, Dane was reported to be playing in the yard of the residence located near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway,” officials said.

However, authorities report that Dane had not been in his parents’ eyesight at the time.

That day, he was wearing a grey fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes. Law enforcement later updated his description to include that he has brown hair and green eyes.

Officials immediately began searching the family’s residence and surrounding areas.

Day 2

Shortly after Dane’s disappearance, a gold 1990s station wagon was named as a vehicle of interest by law enforcement. On March 2, community tips led authorities to the owner of the vehicle.

“After officials thoroughly interviewed and investigated both the driver and car, they were found to be unrelated to Dane’s disappearance and are no longer a point of interest in this operation,” officials said.

Search efforts continued among community volunteers and local authorities, including the sheriff’s offices from Lane, Clackamas and Polk counties; Oregon State Police; Lincoln City and Newport police; Siletz Valley Fire; Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit; Mary’s Peak SAR; and Region 3 K9.

As search efforts intensified, law enforcement said there was “no evidence to suggest criminal actions are involved.”

Day 3

By Monday, March 3, authorities had advanced their search beyond the ground to use aerial drones with thermal imaging. At the time, officials said “382 acres have been searched and 283 miles have been covered.”

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office described Dane as “comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim.”

Jeff Lawrence, an Elks Lodge officer who fishes the Siletz River and volunteered to find Dane, told KOIN 6 News that the river is “medium to where three days ago the river was quite a bit higher and a lot faster.”

Day 4

Late Tuesday afternoon, Lincoln County Sgt. Jason Spano announced that authorities would begin concentrating on a very focused area.

“So far the evidence available indicates Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance,” Spano said. “Because of this, we will be focusing the majority of our ongoing resources on searching the Siletz River.”

He added officials would search the river with drones, divers, watercraft and K9s plus a “sign cutter” using a tracking technique to find and follow signs left behind by people or animals.

But Spano added they would continue to look on land because the “thick, rough forest terrain” meant it could be possible to miss locating someone.

By the end of the day, officials announced that 682 acres and 341 walking miles had been covered.

Day 5

As of Wednesday, officials have yet to find any evidence of Dane’s whereabouts.

“Although there is currently no evidence to suggest criminal activity in Dane’s disappearance, investigators continue to review tips reported to the tip line,” according to Lincoln County deputies.

Those who think they may have information that could help authorities find Dane are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County tip line: 541-265-0669.

“When sharing information that may help us bring Dane home, be as specific as possible,” deputies said. “Note the time, exact location, and get clear photos or videos when possible.”

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.