BREAKING: New Court Documents Reveal Troubling Details Before 2-Year-Old Dane Paulsen’s Tragic Death in Oregon

A heartbreaking case that captured the attention of communities across Oregon has taken a new turn as recently released court documents reveal additional details about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen.

The young boy vanished from his family’s property near the Siletz River in March 2025, sparking an extensive search effort involving hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue teams, and concerned residents. For ten agonizing days, hope remained alive that Dane would be found safe. Instead, the search ended in tragedy when his body was discovered approximately three miles downstream in the Siletz River.

Now, newly released records are shedding light on the moments leading up to his disappearance—and raising difficult questions about supervision and child safety.

According to investigators, Dane’s mother, Chamet Jackson, left the family home and walked to a trailer located on the property, leaving Dane inside with his father, Aaron Paulsen. Court documents state that Aaron later told investigators he had been watching television and using his phone when he noticed Dane walk through a sliding glass door and leave the house.

Authorities say Aaron reported that approximately 15 minutes passed before he realized the toddler was no longer nearby. By the time Dane’s mother returned and joined the search, the child had already disappeared.

Investigators also documented a statement from Jackson indicating that she heard Dane outside the trailer at one point and realized he was no longer inside the house. However, according to court records, she did not immediately open the door to check on him.

The family’s property reportedly sits near a trail that leads directly toward the Siletz River. During the search operation, responders discovered what appeared to be a child’s footprint and a toy near the riverbank—evidence that intensified fears that Dane may have wandered toward the water.

As search crews combed forests, fields, and waterways for more than a week, the case drew widespread attention across Oregon. Volunteers traveled from neighboring counties to assist in the effort, while search-and-rescue teams worked around the clock despite difficult terrain and weather conditions.

When Dane’s body was ultimately recovered, the Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was accidental drowning. Officials reported finding no suspicious injuries or evidence suggesting foul play.

However, the investigation uncovered previous incidents that prosecutors say paint a concerning picture.

According to court filings, a former neighbor reported seeing the family’s daughter left unsupervised outside near an unfenced ravine on multiple occasions. Investigators also learned of an incident from September 2024 in which a teenager reportedly found Dane, then approximately 18 months old, wandering alone along Highway 229 near the family home.

The teenager reportedly returned the child safely to his parents.

Those prior incidents have become a significant part of the criminal case now moving through the courts.

Aaron Paulsen has been charged with second-degree child neglect and has entered a plea of not guilty. His trial is currently scheduled to begin on July 22.

Court records further show that Aaron Paulsen and Chamet Jackson are also facing separate charges involving assault and reckless endangerment connected to a later domestic dispute, though those allegations are unrelated to Dane’s death investigation.

The case continues to generate intense public interest, not only because of the devastating loss of a young child but also because of the questions surrounding the events that unfolded in the minutes before he disappeared.

For many residents of Lincoln County, the memory of the massive search effort remains vivid. Hundreds of strangers came together hoping for a miracle. Instead, the community was left mourning a little boy whose life ended far too soon.

As the July trial approaches, prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to present additional evidence that could provide further insight into the circumstances that led to one of Oregon’s most heartbreaking child tragedies in recent memory.