🚨 Missing Child in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta – Darius Macdougall, 5 – Search Enters Third Day
The search for Darius Macdougall, a 5-year-old boy reported missing on Sunday in the Crowsnest Pass area, has now entered its third day. Darius was last seen walking with other children from his family near the Island Lake Campground, about four kilometres south of Crowsnest Pass. When the children returned to their campsite, Darius was not among them, prompting an immediate search by family and police.
RCMP confirmed they received the report on Sunday morning and quickly launched a large-scale search effort. Family members are from the Fort Macleod and Lethbridge areas, and police say they remain deeply concerned for the child’s wellbeing. RCMP Sgt. Mark Amatto explained that Darius has autism, which may affect his ability to respond to rescuers, making the search even more challenging.
Overnight search operations have continued with the assistance of drones and helicopters equipped with thermal imaging. Search efforts include dozens of highly trained teams from Alberta and British Columbia, with ground crews, search dogs, and air support scouring rugged and alpine terrain. The area includes creeks, rivers, and beaver dams, making the conditions technically difficult and dangerous.
Peter Alfred of Southwest Alberta Search and Rescue said crews are “working shoulder to shoulder,” searching under logs, along riverbanks, and through thick terrain. He emphasized that while the public is asked to remain vigilant, people should avoid entering the immediate search zone to prevent injuries and ensure professional teams can continue their efforts without disruption.
Despite the length of time since Darius disappeared, search leaders remain hopeful. “We are very confident about a positive outcome,” Alfred said, noting favourable weather and the absence of other medical conditions. “All available resources are in play to bring this little boy home.”
📌 Description
- Name: Darius Macdougall
- Age: 5 years old
- Height: 4 feet
- Hair: Short brown
- Last seen wearing: Blue/grey hoodie and sweats
- Location: Island Lake Campground, south of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
- Medical note: Has autism, which may affect response to searchers
📞 How to Help
If you have seen Darius or have any information, please contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403-562-2866.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit online at www.P3Tips.com, or use the “P3 Tips” app available on Apple and Google Play stores.
🔗 Sources
👉 What You Can Do
Please share this alert widely across social media and within local communities. Every share increases the chance of helping search crews locate Darius safely.
🌐 Visit CanadaMissing.ca for more missing person cases across Canada.
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