A toddler who loved the water disappeared from his home and never made it back.
Now prosecutors say the tragedy may have been preventable.
According to court records, 2-year-old Dane Paulsen walked out of his family's Oregon home on March 1, 2025, while under the care of his father, Aaron Paulsen.
Prosecutors allege Aaron saw the child leave through a sliding back door but failed to stop him because he was focused on binge-watching television.
Dane's mother had reportedly left the boy in Aaron's care before leaving the house.
Authorities say roughly 15 minutes passed before his parents realized he was missing.
A massive search followed, involving divers, drones, K-9 units, and multiple law enforcement agencies.
Days later, Dane's body was found about three miles downstream from the family's home.
Investigators say both parents knew Dane was drawn to water and could not swim.
Aaron Paulsen has been charged with child neglect in connection with his son's death.
He has pleaded not guilty.
What the case shows
- Dane Paulsen was 2 years old when he disappeared
- Prosecutors say he left the home through a sliding back door
- Aaron Paulsen is accused of failing to stop him while watching TV
- About 15 minutes reportedly passed before Dane was reported missing
- Dane's body was later found roughly three miles downstream
The bigger question
This case raises difficult questions about parental responsibility and how quickly a routine day can turn into a tragedy.
Young children can disappear in minutes, especially when they are attracted to dangers they do not understand, such as rivers, ponds, or pools. The case is also likely to spark debate about when negligence becomes criminal conduct.
The other side
Aaron Paulsen has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His defense will have the opportunity to challenge prosecutors' version of events and the evidence presented in court. At this stage, the allegations have not been proven before a jury.
What happens now
The criminal case will move through the court system as prosecutors seek to prove the neglect charges.
If convicted, Paulsen could face penalties under Oregon law. The case is expected to focus heavily on what happened in the minutes before Dane disappeared and whether the death could have been prevented.
What we still don't know
- What evidence prosecutors will present to support their claims
- Whether additional witnesses observed Dane leaving the home
- When a trial date will be scheduled
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 2, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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