Searchers still have hope for a positive outcome as they search for missing six-year-old Darius Macdougall.
During a 2:30 p.m. update, Adam Kennedy with Alberta Search and Rescue says there is no talk on the ground about any other outcome at this point, as searchers expand the search area.
“As time goes on, there’s a potential that young Daris may have left the initial search area. So that search area will continuously be increased based on investigation on the RCMP side and any new investigative leads that are obtained,” Kennedy says. “The SARA management team on site may adjust their tactics to fit new information that comes out as part of the investigation.”
According to Kennedy, 82 trained search and rescue members are taking part in the search, with support from helicopters, thermal imaging drones, canine teams and specialized crews for underwater and swift water search. He adds that overnight flashing lights were used to try to draw the six-year-old out of the bush towards the roadway.
RCMP have confirmed the six-year-old is from Lethbridge and previously advised the community he was autistic. He was last seen around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, when he was with six family members walking near Island Lake Campground, the five-year-old is alleged to have gone off on his own.
Corporal Gina Slaney says at this point in the investigation, there is no indication of foul play being involved, but at this time RCMP are keeping the investigation vague. Slaney adds, at this point, even the smallest piece of information can be of use.
“We investigate all avenues when something like this happens, and of course, some of the family members were with Darius when he was last seen. So we’re going to interview them, and we’re dealing with children as well. So we have child forensic interviewers that know how to appropriately,” Slaney says. “All of those things are being done, and you never know that smallest tidbit of information from one of those family members might be able to assist us on something else, something else that we could look for with regards to this investigation.”
Slaney says the family is very distraught and beside themselves with concern. Family liaison workers, along with victim services workers from the RCMP and Search and Rescue, have been working with the family to support them during this time. She adds that the family also wants to help with the search, so they have been given tasks at the scene within a realm of control so that they’re not interfering with the professionals who are searching.
During the update, Kennedy shared that the Salvation Army has been providing food for responders, and a nearby Bible camp has been used as a spot for searchers to rest. The public is also urged not to attempt to join the search, as there is hazardous terrain and untrained volunteers risk injury, which would divert resources from finding the missing five-year-old.
Related story: UPDATE: Crowsnest Pass RCMP continue to search for five-year-old boy
*The RCMP initially stated MacDougall was 5-years-old. This article has been updated to reflect that change, and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
