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8h ago

RCMP Put Survival Odds Below 5% as Search for Missing Alberta Boy Refocuses

The assessment draws on thousands of comparable cases plus on‑site factors like terrain, exposure, time elapsed.

The search continues for five-year-old Darius Macdougall, who vanished over the weekend from a campsite in the Crowsnest Pass near Blairmore, Alta., Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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Search-and-rescue crews have been looking day and night for Darius Macdougall, or any sign of is whereabouts, since the six-year-old boy was reported missing in the Crowsnest Pass last Sunday, Sept. 21.

Overview

  • RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney said survivability for six-year-old Darius Macdougall is now assessed at under five percent after a week of searching.
  • Authorities emphasized the operation has not been scaled back, with roughly 200 personnel from multiple provinces still conducting coordinated sweeps.
  • Search managers shifted tactics by discontinuing infrared heat searches from aircraft in favor of camera review and by adjusting how dogs are deployed; cadaver dogs have not been brought in.
  • Teams are using neurodivergence‑informed methods because Darius is autistic, avoiding loud noises and playing his favourite song since he may not respond to his name.
  • Investigators report no evidence of foul play, highlight challenging mountainous terrain and cold nights, and urge the public to avoid the search area, with a drone restriction and a community information centre open for tips.