It’s been 11 days since six-year-old Darius Macdougall went missing near Crowsnest Pass.
Different strategies will continue to be utilized to locate Darius, while police and Search and Rescue Alberta will no longer be on-scene.
“Upon having completed a comprehensive and thorough search of the 22 square-kilometres surrounding the area where Darius was last seen, he has not been located,” notes Cpl. Gina Slaney with Alberta RCMP.
“The area has now been reopened to the public. Moving forward, all information and tips will be carefully evaluated and thoroughly investigated,” adds Slaney.
On the morning of Sept. 21, Crowsnest Pass RCMP was notified of a missing child from the area south of Island Lake Campground.
“Immediately, resources were dispatched to the area. Despite initial efforts, Darius was not located right away, and it became clear additional support and resources were necessary,” Slaney explains.
Throughout the search, RCMP assets deployed included remotely piloted aircraft systems or drones, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, forensic identification services, police dog services, an underwater search team and a tactical support group.
According to Slaney, additional provincial partners were also a part of the search, including a HALO helicopter, conservation and fish and wildlife officers and members of Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue.
Any information that may assist investigators may be provided to Crowsnest RCMP or Crime Stoppers. The search is not concluding and is still active.
“Please trust we’re still here for the family of Darius. Our victim family liaison officers, in consultation with family members, have developed a plan to ensure the family continues to receive timely updates, as the investigation continues,” says Slaney.
(Photo submitted)
