An Oregon man is facing child neglect charges after authorities say his 2-year-old son wandered away from home and was later found dead in a nearby river.
Father Charged in Child’s Death
Aaron Scott Paulsen was charged with second-degree child neglect following the death of his son, Dane, in Siletz, Oregon.
The toddler disappeared on March 1, 2025, and his body was recovered from a river 10 days later.
Father Admitted He Was Distracted
According to court documents, Paulsen told investigators he was watching television and playing games on his phone when he saw Dane leave the house through a sliding glass door.
He reportedly did not immediately follow the child or realize the seriousness of the situation.
The boy’s mother had briefly left Dane with Paulsen before going to another building on the property.
River Located Near Home
Investigators said the family home was located near the Siletz River, an area the child could access through a nearby trail.
Family members told police that Dane was attracted to water but did not know how to swim.
Authorities were alerted after a fisherman reported hearing a woman screaming near the river.
Previous Safety Concerns Reported
Court records also revealed a previous incident when Dane, then 18 months old, was found walking alone near a highway by a passing teenager.
The teen reportedly returned the child home and later told investigators he had seen Dane unsupervised on multiple occasions.
Paulsen has pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is scheduled for June 22, with a jury trial expected later this year.
