Locals who know terrain asked for expertise as search for missing boy continues

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This article was published 27/09/2025 (183 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CROWSNEST PASS – Mounties involved in the search for a missing boy in southern Alberta say a municipality has set up a centre where locals familiar with the mountainous terrain can share advice that will hopefully help dozens of trained searchers find the child.

RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney told a news conference Saturday that there are maps of the search area at the centre, which is set up in the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman, Alta., and that it’s specifically for people who know the backcountry.

It’s different from a support centre which has been set up at the Blairmore curling rink for community members to gather.

“If you think you know the area very well and you might know potential hiding places, safe places, this is an opportunity for you to go, have a look at these maps and point out potential areas, tips, that you might think might be beneficial to the investigation,” Slaney said.

Darius Macdougall was last seen Sept. 21 while walking with young family members in the Crowsnest Pass area. Searchers on the ground and in a helicopter, accompanied by drones and dogs, have been combing the area, but haven’t discovered any sign of him. 

The boy has autism, so crews have said they are avoiding loud, unpleasant noises or bright lights at night.

Adam Kennedy from Alberta Search and Rescue told the news conference that approximately 225 personnel were at the scene Saturday, including 128 search-and-rescue volunteers from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Slaney said about 60 trained Tactical Support Group personnel were doing a “shoulder-to-shoulder” search on Saturday of the area the boy was last seen, in the hopes of finding clues.

“These officers are trained to search for even the smallest piece of evidence,” Slaney said.

“They’re looking for anything, anything that could give us more information on where Darius might be.”

Earlier Saturday, Slaney said the Crowsnest Pass RCMP were dispatched to assist with the rescue of a hiker who was injured in the area. While the rescue took a lot of resources, she said it did not draw any needed personnel from the hunt for Darius.

Still, she said it underscored the importance for the general public to stay out of the search area, and it also showed how challenging the terrain can be.

The hiker, she said, was seriously hurt but will hopefully recover.

Recreational drones are prohibited in the area, and Slaney said it’s essential people follow the restriction because it could interfere with search helicopters, planes and drones.

Searchers appreciate that the public wants to help, but that the official searchers are highly trained, Kennedy said.

Despite the amount of time that has passed, officials say the search has not been scaled back.

“Obviously the longer the search lasts, the probability of a favourable outcome does decrease. But as of today the search effort is reflecting the assumption that Darius is still alive,” Kennedy said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2025.