5-year-old still missing in Crowsnest Pass

[troutman]

Heartbreaking story is at the top of mind here:

https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/le...rowsnest-pass/

While it’s been more than 48 hours since Macdougall was last seen, search and rescue workers are still optimistic that their search will be successful despite the long period of time and lower overnight temperatures.

“There are some statistics to go behind this as far as survivability.” Kennedy explained. “We are still in the stage right now where we are still very variable. There’s no talk on the ground of anything other than a positive outcome.”

[GranteedEV]

Please be found safe lil guy

[troutman]

Pass Herald: SEPT 24 UPDATE on Missing Child Search in Crowsnest Pass by Nicholas L. M. Allen

Alberta RCMP and Search and Rescue Alberta provided a virtual update on September 24 at 2:30 p.m. confirming that the search for five-year-old Darius Macdougall continues at full scale.

Cpl. Gina Slaney said RCMP resources on site include drones, a helicopter, forensic identification services, police dogs, the general investigation section, and an RCMP plane en route. She confirmed an item initially believed to be blood was tested and found not to be human or animal.

Victim family liaison officers are working directly with the family, who have asked for privacy and do not want interviews at this time.

Adam Kennedy, provincial training manager with Search and Rescue Alberta, said the current search radius extends three kilometres from the family’s campground and is being pushed to 6.6 kilometres. “Overnight, ground searches continued with helicopter support, search dogs, and drones. Today, 68 trained searchers from Alberta and B.C. are on site, along with RCMP resources,” Kennedy said.

Water searches have been conducted multiple times, and underwater teams are confident Darius is not in local lakes or ponds. Swift water crews continue to examine nearby streams.

Kennedy said terrain is slowing crews. “The amount of dead fall on the ground and the rocks in the area definitely slow search efforts down,” he explained. Overnight lows have ranged from 4 to 11 degrees Celsius. Wilderness medicine experts have advised that conditions remain survivable.

RCMP confirmed that when Darius was last seen, he was with six young family members and no adults. Investigators continue detailed interviews. Slaney added that this situation does not qualify for an Amber Alert, as there is no evidence of abduction.

Kennedy said about 100 personnel from multiple agencies are involved. He asked residents to stay clear of the area, warning that untrained volunteers could risk injury or disturb clues that might guide searchers.

Daily updates will continue. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403-562-2866 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

[cam_wmh]

Drive by the campground yesterday on the 3. Police presence, has blocked off the entrance.

Night 3. Hope waning, gah- please let there be a miracle.

[troutman]

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.