RCMP call off search in Alberta Rockies as missing six-year-old believed dead

CROWSNEST PASS – A six-year-old with autism who vanished almost two weeks ago from mountainous terrain in southern Alberta is believed to be dead, and police have called off a search for the boy after 11 days.

RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney told an online news conference Wednesday that the search for Darius Macdougall, across 22 square kilometres of the Crowsnest Pass area, had not turned up any trace of him.

That’s despite calling in extra resources, including helicopters, dogs, drones, underwater teams and volunteer searchers from B.C. to Saskatchewan, she said.

“If Darius is still in the search site, it is our belief that he is no longer alive,” Slaney said.

The search for the boy from Lethbridge, Alta., began Sept. 21. He was reported missing after he didn’t return from a walk with six young relatives near Island Lake Campground, where his family had been camping.

Located in the middle of sprawling backcountry between two steep-sloped mountains, the campground is a 15-minute drive from Coleman and Blairmore, two quiet mining towns.

Slaney said police called in over 200 searchers to help. The area was closed off to the public, as police said the area being searched is technical and treacherous, and people were instead encouraged to provide tips at an information centre set up at a local curling rink.

At one point in the search, Mounties looked at bringing in the military.

In total, over 11,000 hours were spent searching for the boy, said Adam Kennedy with Alberta Search and Rescue.

“This is not the result we hoped for,” he said. “Our members are already humbled to have had the opportunity to assist in the search for Darius. Search and rescue does remain ready to assist the RCMP further when their investigation requires it.”

The search was made all the more challenging by the boy’s autism, as searchers said it may have prevented him from responding to his name. Ground and air crews avoided loud noises and bright lights and also played the boy’s favourite song.

Rescuers held out hope of finding Darius alive until this past weekend, when they said his chances of survival were less than five per cent. There were still were no plans to call off the search, and there was nothing to suggest foul play, RCMP said.

That changed Wednesday, as  Slaney said police exhausted all possible avenues.

“Moving forward, all information and tips will be carefully evaluated and thoroughly investigated,” she said.

“We are still here for the family of Darius. Our victim family liaison officers … have developed a plan to ensure the family continues to receive timely updates.”

The boy’s family has said they won’t rest until he’s brought home.

RCMP Supt. Rick Jané called it an “extremely difficult and extensive” investigation.

“Having visited the integrated command post, I know that everyone did everything in their power to find Darius and we will continue to pursue avenues to find him when they arise,” he said.

“We are committed to bringing answers to Darius and his family.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2025.

— By Aaron Sousa in Edmonton