🚨 Missing Child in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta – Darius Macdougall, 5 – Last Seen September 21, 2025
Day Four: The search continues in full force for Darius Macdougall, a five-year-old from Lethbridge who has been missing since Sunday morning, September 21, 2025. He was last seen walking with six siblings, none of them adults, about four kilometres south of Crowsnest Pass near Island Lake Campground. He was reported missing at approximately 11:30 a.m. that same day.
RCMP spokesperson Gina Slaney confirmed Wednesday that drones, helicopters, forensic identification services, divers, investigators, and an RCMP plane remain deployed. About 100 people are involved in the search effort. Overnight Tuesday, ground teams worked with one RCMP helicopter and two Canadian Search Dog Association dogs. By Wednesday, teams from both Alberta and British Columbia were joined by RCMP dog units, multiple drones, and additional air support.
Adam Kennedy with Alberta Search and Rescue said Wednesday the search area is expanding. Initially covering a three-kilometre radius, the operation is now widening to 6.6 kilometres. Swift water teams have re-checked creeks and rivers, and underwater divers confirmed that clear waterways showed no sign of Darius. Kennedy explained that heavy deadfall and rocks slow the search as crews check shoulder-to-shoulder along riverbanks, under logs, and through dense terrain.
Kennedy emphasized that after consulting with wilderness survivability physicians, the search tempo reflects the assumption Darius will be found alive. “The weather is in our favour. The young man does not suffer from other health issues. There is no reason to believe there will not be a positive outcome,” he said.
RCMP Sgt. Mark Amatto explained earlier in the week that the area is alpine, mountainous terrain with multiple rivers, creeks, and beaver dams, making the search highly technical and slow-moving.
RCMP confirmed Darius has autism. While he is verbal, police are concerned he may not respond if searchers call his name. “That’s something we are definitely worried about,” said Slaney.
Investigators have reiterated there is no indication of foul play. A substance thought to be blood was found earlier in the search, but tests confirmed it was not human or animal. “That is very relieving, positive,” said Slaney.
Victim family liaison officers are providing support to Darius’ family, ensuring a single point of contact with investigators both on and off site.
📌 Description
- Name: Darius Macdougall
- Age: 5 years old
- Height: 4 feet
- Hair: Short brown
- Last seen wearing: Blue/grey hoodie and sweatpants
- Location: Island Lake Campground, south of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
- Medical note: Autistic; may not respond when called
📞 How to Help
If you have had any contact with Darius or know his whereabouts, please call the Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403-562-2866.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app. For non-emergencies in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, dial 310-RCMP (7267).
🔗 Sources
👉 What You Can Do
Please share this alert widely across social media and local communities. The faster the information spreads, the greater the chance of bringing Darius home safely.
🌐 Visit CanadaMissing.ca for more missing person cases across Canada.
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