RCMP calls off search for Darius

By Lethbridge Herald on October 2, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

CROWSNEST PASS – Eleven days after he went missing, Alberta RCMP have called off the search for six-year-old Darius Macdougall. But they say the investigation isn’t over and they will continue to follow any tips they receive on the boy’s whereabouts. 

“At this point ,if Darius is still in the search site, it is our belief that he is no longer alive,” RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney said Wednesday. “Police and Search and Rescue Alberta will no longer be on scene, and the area has now been re-opened to the public. Moving forward, all information and tips will be carefully evaluated and thoroughly investigated.”

Slaney said any information that may assist investigators may be provided to the Crowsnest RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

“Please trust that we are still here for the family of Darius. Our victim family liaison officers in consultation with family members, have developed a plan to ensure the family continues to receive timely updates as the investigation continues.”

At this point searchers have found no evidence of foul play, having exhausted all search tactics in the Livingstone Public Land Use Zone on Tent Mountain Road, where Darius went missing on Sept. 21 while camping with family.

“I want to assure you that the search for Darius is not concluding, and the investigation remains open and active. We will not stop looking for Darius.”

Adam Kennedy, SAR Alberta spokesperson and provincial training manager, said even though Darius is assumed to be no longer alive, cadaver dogs have not been utilized in the search and will not be used prior to moving searchers out of the area. 

“During our life cycle and even posthumously, we give out different scents and the appropriate dogs to the scent that we expect to find on the ground right now from Darius are being used.”

Kennedy said that for the past 11 days, highly trained SAR volunteers and their partner agencies have been searching in a difficult mountainous terrain with high slopes, multiple waterways and thick vegetation. 

“More than 400 search and rescue volunteers from 50 teams across Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan answered the call to search for Darius. These volunteers contributed to 11,000 hours of search efforts on the ground.”

They were joined by 60 members of the RCMP specialized tactical support group and were directly involved in searching for Darius. 

“A total area of nearly 22 square kilometres was thoroughly covered during the search for Darius,” said Kennedy. “Much of it multiple times. The search extended up to 12 kilometres from where Darius was last seen.”

The total distance travelled by ground search assets inside those 22 square kilometres, was more than 5,300 kilometres. He said the search included helicopters, drones, dogs, horses, an underwater rescue team, and multiple partner agencies, making it an “all hands-on deck” search.  

“Although this is not the result we hoped for, SAR members are indeed humbled to have had the opportunity to assist in the search for Darius. Search and rescue remain ready to assist the RCMP further whenever the investigation requires it,” said Kennedy. 

RCMP Supt. Rick Jané said he knows everyone did everything in their power to find Darius, and the RCMP will continue to pursue avenues to find them when they arise. 

“Our thoughts are with Darius’ family, friends and loved ones. We are committed to bring answers to Darius and his family.” 

Jané said of all the search and rescue files he has reviewed during his career, the search for Darius has been one of the most intensive. 

“I was very reassured by the number of people from SAR Alberta and the RCMP who were willing to think and think again, challenge their own assumptions and leave nothing to chance.”

A Facebook group page called “Bring Darius Macdougall home,” is organizing a candle ceremony for Darius on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. outside of Dr. Probe Elementary School and everyone is welcome to attend to have a moment of silence for Darius and pray for him.