After over a week since he disappeared, the family of six-year-old Darius Macdougall has been informed by Alberta RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney that the chances of the boy surviving are less than five percent at this stage of the search. Macdougall was last seen on Sunday, September 21, and the search for him is ongoing, now involving around 200 personnel from three provinces.
The survivability estimate of less than five percent was determined based on factors such as the rugged terrain, exposure to the elements, and the duration of the search, according to Slaney. Despite this low survival probability, the search efforts for Macdougall have not been reduced, and there are currently no plans to scale back the operation. However, the search teams are adapting their approach while maintaining a full-scale search operation.
No clues regarding Macdougall’s location have been found yet, as mentioned by Slaney. While foul play is not suspected at this point, all possible investigative avenues have been explored since the search commenced. Macdougall was reported missing on September 21 after he failed to return from a walk with six non-adult family members near a campsite in the Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area, situated near the Alberta-B.C. border in the Crowsnest Pass region.
Described as four feet tall with short brown hair, Macdougall was last seen wearing a blue-grey hoodie and sweatpants. It was initially reported that he was five years old, but his age was later corrected to six. Macdougall, who is autistic and may not respond to his name despite being verbal, presents unique challenges for search efforts. Special tactics, such as playing his favorite song and avoiding loud noises, have been implemented to aid in the search.
Search-and-rescue expert Robert Koester highlighted the difficulties in finding individuals with autism who may actively hide or seek shelter in secluded structures. Koester emphasized the emotional distress experienced by lost children with autism and the challenges of locating them in dense vegetation.
The search for Macdougall continues with modified ground search methods and the deployment of various resources, including personnel, dogs, helicopters, and drones equipped with advanced technology. The use of infrared sensors has been discontinued, and the focus is now on visual searches. Despite the public’s willingness to assist in the search, authorities have cautioned against untrained individuals joining the operation due to the rough terrain and potential diversion of resources.
The community has been encouraged to contribute information at the public information center set up by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass to aid in the search for Macdougall. The center serves as a hub for sharing any relevant observations, photos, or details that could assist the search efforts.