Pass Herald: Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m. — Day 7 update by Nicholas L. M. Allen
Cpl. Gina Slaney with Alberta RCMP and Adam Kennedy with Search and Rescue Alberta say the search for six year old Darius Macdougall is not being scaled back. Tactics are being refocused as the operation continues.
• Survivability: RCMP met with the family this morning and advised that survivability is now less than five per cent. The investigation remains active and all tips are being followed up.
• Resources: About 200 personnel are on scene today, including roughly 100 SAR Alberta volunteers. Surface and underwater assets are present to recheck areas.
• Air and dogs: Air crews are shifting away from infrared tools that depend on heat signatures and will rely more on camera searches. Dog teams remain in use, with methods adjusted for a subject who may not respond to searchers.
• Terrain and conditions: Crews are operating in mountainous, rugged ground with heavy deadfall and multiple streams. Overnights have been in the low to mid single digits, with mid teens daytime highs.
• Investigation status: RCMP say there is no evidence of foul play; this remains a missing child case.
• Wellbeing: RCMP and SAR have peer support and mental health resources on site for personnel.
• Location clarification: The family was camped south of Highway 3 in the Livingstone Public Land Use Zone down Tent Mountain Road, not at Island Lake campground.
Officials emphasize the search continues, with resource deployment evaluated as operations proceed.
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