After an extensive five-day search in challenging terrain, efforts to locate a young boy missing in the Crowsnest Pass area have escalated, with the arrival of new search teams from Saskatchewan and increased RCMP assistance. Six-year-old Darius Macdougall disappeared on Sunday morning during a family walk near Blairmore, Alberta.
Adam Kennedy from Search and Rescue Alberta announced during a video press briefing on Friday that additional search groups are en route from Saskatchewan to relieve volunteer searchers from Alberta and British Columbia. Kennedy stated, “We have requested all possible resources from British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. We anticipate more volunteers joining the search over the weekend.”
Contrary to public concerns, Alberta RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney clarified on Friday that there are no plans to reduce the search efforts. Slaney mentioned the presence of 60 TSG officers on site to support the search mission.
Despite extensive ground searches, aerial scans using helicopters, drones, and search dogs, there have been no sightings of the missing boy. Given that the boy has autism, search tactics are being adapted to avoid disturbances like loud noises and bright lights, especially during nighttime operations.
Kennedy expressed that the search teams remain positive and hopeful of finding Macdougall alive, emphasizing the availability of water in the area and the human ability to survive without food for an extended period.