Missing Oregon toddler found dead in Siletz River, authorities confirm

SILETZ, Ore. - Authorities in Oregon said they have found the remains of a toddler who had been missing for more than a week. 

What we know:

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said they found the body of 2-year-old Dane Paulsen on Tuesday morning in the Siletz River approximately 3 miles downstream from the family’s property.

RELATED: Dane Paulsen: Search for missing Oregon toddler enters 2nd week

Authorities said Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team, offered their services to the toddler's family and began searching the river along with a guide. 

Deputies are now processing the scene. 

What we don't know:

Investigators said they are working with the local Lincoln County Medical Examiners Office. A cause of death has not been determined. 

What they're saying:

"Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow," Sheriff Adam Shanks said in a Facebook post. "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."

The backstory:

Dane was reported missing around 4:25 p.m. March 1. He was last seen playing in the front yard.

A late 1990s gold station wagon that was seen near the home where Dane was last known to be is considered a "vehicle of interest" in the investigation, the sheriff's office said.

However, Sheriff Adam Shanks told KATU-TV that there is no evidence that the vehicle was directly involved in Dane's disappearance.