The search for a six-year-old boy from Alberta, named Darius Macdougall, who has been missing for seven days, continues with over 200 searchers combing a forested area in the Crowsnest Pass. Alberta RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney emphasized that the search efforts are not being reduced. A team of 60 officers from the RCMP Tactical Support Group has joined the search, conducting a meticulous search to locate Macdougall or any clues about his whereabouts.
Darius, who has autism and may not respond to his name, went missing last Sunday while on a walk with six non-adult family members near the Island Lake Campground close to the Alberta-B.C. boundary. To assist in the search operation, a public information center has been established at the Crowsnest Sports Complex by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, providing maps of the search area for volunteers to offer potential insights.
Adam Kennedy from Alberta Search and Rescue mentioned that more than 200 personnel, including teams from Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, are participating in the search. Search dogs, helicopters, drones equipped with infrared cameras, and analysis of drone footage are being utilized. Various provincial agencies such as Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Alberta Sheriffs, RCMP air services, and the Tactical Support Group are also aiding in the search efforts.
While appreciating the public’s willingness to assist, Slaney advised against untrained individuals joining the search. She highlighted the prohibition of recreational drones flying over the search area to prevent interference with the search operations. Careful monitoring of the airspace around the search site is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the search efforts.
